Willow Creek Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

Oregon

Nearby: Wade Gardener Reservoir

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Jackson County, Oregon, Willow Creek is a vital water supply dam constructed in 1953 with a primary purpose of providing water to the community of Big Butte Springs.

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Summary

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Willow Creek Dam stands at 54 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 52 feet and a structural height of 59 feet. With a storage capacity of 12,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 21 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation in the region.

Despite its high hazard potential, Willow Creek Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of October 2020. The dam's emergency action plan is under review, ensuring that proper measures are in place in case of any unforeseen events. With a maximum discharge capacity of 4,634 cubic feet per second, Willow Creek Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the area. Its location at the confluence of Willow & Four Bit Creeks further highlights its significance in the local ecosystem and climate resilience efforts.

As a key structure in the Portland District, Willow Creek Dam's importance extends beyond water supply to supporting environmental sustainability and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Its role in maintaining water quality and quantity for the surrounding communities underscores the need for ongoing inspection, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety and security of the region's water resources. With its rich history and ongoing relevance, Willow Creek Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and climate adaptation in the Pacific Northwest.

Year Completed	1953
Dam Length	2600
Dam Height	54
River Or Stream	WILLOW & FOUR BIT CREEKS
Primary Dam Type	Earth
Surface Area	322
Hydraulic Height	52
Drainage Area	21
Nid Storage	12000
Structural Height	59
Hazard Potential	High
Nid Height	59

Explore Interactive Map

WILLOW CREEK

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 5, 2025

Year_Completed	1953
Dam_Length	2600
Dam_Height	54
River_Or_Stream	WILLOW & FOUR BIT CREEKS
Primary_Dam_Type	Earth
Surface_Area	322
Hydraulic_Height	52
Drainage_Area	21
Nid_Storage	12000
Structural_Height	59
Hazard_Potential	High
Nid_Height	59

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

South Fork Rogue River Near Prospect 82.9cfs	83cfs
Big Butte Creek Near Mcleod 86.1cfs	86cfs
Rogue River Below Prospect 770.0cfs	770cfs
Rogue R At Cole M Rivers F Hatchery Nr Mcleod 959.0cfs	959cfs
Rogue River Near Mcleod 1230.0cfs	1230cfs
Elk Creek Near Trail 17.5cfs	18cfs

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.