Thompson Valley Reservoir dam
Thompson Valley Reservoir
Thompson Valley Reservoir, located in Silver Lake, Oregon, is a significant water resource managed by the local government for irrigation purposes. Built in 1922, this Earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and has a storage capacity of 30,500 acre-feet, providing water for a drainage area of 150 square miles. With a normal storage capacity of 21,040 acre-feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 1,900 acres and has a maximum discharge rate of 2,514 cubic feet per second.
This reservoir on Silver Creek is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Classified as having a "significant" hazard potential, Thompson Valley Reservoir has not been rated for its condition assessment as of yet. The emergency action plan status and risk management measures for this dam are currently not specified, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thompson Valley Reservoir offers a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering for irrigation purposes in Oregon. Its historical significance, combined with its vital role in providing water for agricultural activities in the region, underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, this reservoir serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between human development and natural resources, urging us to prioritize conservation efforts for the future.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Thompson Valley Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Williamson River Near Klamath Agency | · | → |
| Sprague River Near Chiloquin | 208 cfs | → |
| Williamson River Blw Sprague River Nr Chiloquin | 563 cfs | → |
| Wood River Near Klamath Agency | 298 cfs | → |
| Sevenmile Cnl At Dike Rd Br | 59 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Thompson Valley Reservoir.
Campgrounds
- Thompson Reservoir
- East Bay
- Silver Creek Marsh
- Upper Buck Creek
- Lower Buck Creek
- Summer Lake State Wildlife Area
Track Thompson Valley Reservoir in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Thompson Valley Reservoir
Where does the data for Thompson Valley Reservoir come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Thompson Valley Reservoir.