Wilson Lake Dam (Klamath) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wilson Lake Dam (Klamath) in Oregon is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at 15 feet tall and stretches 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 620 acre-feet. Situated on Miller Creek, a tributary to the Klamath River, the dam serves to regulate water flow for agricultural purposes in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular state inspection and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.

Located in Bonanza, Klamath County, Wilson Lake Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Water Resources Department and is regulated by the state. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, supporting the local farming community with stored water from its 67-acre surface area. Although the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, its last inspection in 2017 deemed it to have a low hazard potential, highlighting its importance in water resource management in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in maintaining water supply for agricultural activities.

Managed by private owners, Wilson Lake Dam holds a critical position in the water infrastructure of the region, ensuring a stable water supply for irrigation needs. As part of the San Francisco District, the dam's design and construction have stood the test of time since its completion over five decades ago. With its strategic location and integral role in water management, Wilson Lake Dam remains a key asset for sustaining agricultural practices in Klamath County, Oregon.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MILLER CREEK, TRIB TO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

67

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

620

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.