Rock Quarry Canyon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Rock Quarry Canyon Dam, located in Harney, Oregon, is a privately owned structure designed for irrigation purposes along the Rock Quarry Canyon.


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Summary

Completed in 1948, this earth dam stands at 27 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 28.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 560 acre-feet and a drainage area of 20.8 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural activities in the region.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Rock Quarry Canyon Dam is regulated and inspected by the Oregon Water Resources Department to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features a slide gate as its outlet gate and has a normal storage capacity of 439 acre-feet. With a surface area of 45.5 acres and a maximum discharge of 1249 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area.

Rock Quarry Canyon Dam, situated in a remote location with no downstream settlement, serves as a significant infrastructure for irrigation in the region. With its history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and agricultural activities in Harney, Oregon. As a privately owned structure, it undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its operational efficiency and safety for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

ROCK QUARRY CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45.5

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

20.8

Nid Storage

560

Structural Height

28.5

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.