Guano Canyon Dam (Harney) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Guano Canyon Dam, located in Harney County, Oregon, stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this private-owned Earth dam on Guano Creek has a height of 20 feet and a length of 1132 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1500 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment marked as "Not Rated," the dam continues to contribute to the local agricultural community by ensuring water availability for irrigation needs.
Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Guano Canyon Dam boasts a surface area of 1869 acres and drains a 28.8 square mile watershed. The dam's primary purpose of irrigation underscores its vital role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. Despite its remote location with "No Downstream Settlement," the dam's impact on water resource management and climate resilience in the area cannot be understated.
As climate change poses challenges to water availability and management, Guano Canyon Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for sustainable irrigation practices in Harney County, Oregon. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring water security for the local community. Its historical significance, coupled with its operational efficiency, makes Guano Canyon Dam a notable example of responsible water resource management in the face of evolving climate dynamics.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
1132 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
GUANO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1869 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
28.8 |
Nid Storage |
1500 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Guano Canyon Dam (Harney)