Fish Lake (Baker) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Fish Lake in Baker, Oregon is a private irrigation reservoir located on Lake Fork Creek, managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


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Summary

The earthen dam was completed in 1953 and stands at a height of 22 feet, with a storage capacity of 825 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 78 acres and serves the primary purpose of irrigation in the region.

Maintained by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Fish Lake has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The outlet gates are of the needle type, and the last inspection took place in June 2015, with inspections occurring every 6 years. The reservoir is situated in a picturesque setting in Homestead, with a drainage area of 1.24 square miles and a maximum discharge of 478 cubic feet per second.

Fish Lake contributes to the local water resource management and agricultural activities in the area, showcasing the importance of reservoirs in sustaining irrigation practices. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s, the lake remains a vital component of the water infrastructure in Baker County, Oregon.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

1080

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

LAKE FORK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

78

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

1.24

Nid Storage

825

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Needle

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.