Rock Creek-Upper (Harney) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Rock Creek-Upper (Harney) is a privately owned dam located in Harney, Oregon, with the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1970, stands at a height of 45 feet and has a storage capacity of 6,900 acre-feet. The dam spans 1,300 feet in length and has a drainage area of 3.6 square miles, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, the Rock Creek-Upper (Harney) dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The last inspection took place in June 2017, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 6 years. The dam features Needle outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1,356 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective water flow control for irrigation purposes.

With its strategic location and vital role in providing water for agricultural needs, Rock Creek-Upper (Harney) dam is a significant asset in the water resource management of Harney County, Oregon. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike can appreciate the engineering and operational aspects of this essential infrastructure that sustains the local ecosystem and supports the agricultural community in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

ROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

384

Hydraulic Height

45

Drainage Area

3.6

Nid Storage

6900

Structural Height

47

Outlet Gates

Needle

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

47
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.