Hickory Hill Farm Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kuehne Dam Walker (Bryan Creek)
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hickory Hill Farm is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Oregon, specifically in Yamhill County near the city of Newberg.
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Summary
This Earth-type structure was completed in 1952 and stands at a height of 29 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed branch of Chehalem Creek, the dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 47 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.57 square miles.
The dam at Hickory Hill Farm has a significant hazard potential and is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Oregon Water Resources Department. The dam features a needle outlet gate and has a spillway width of 0 feet. The last inspection was conducted in December 2019, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 3 years. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified in the available data.
Located within the Portland District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Hickory Hill Farm serves as a vital water resource for agricultural purposes in the region. With its strategic location and capacity to support irrigation needs, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and sustainability efforts within the local community. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate resilience will find Hickory Hill Farm to be an intriguing case study of private ownership and operation of essential infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED BRANCH OF CHEHALEM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Willamette River At Newberg
|
52600cfs |
South Yamhill River At Mcminnville
|
8310cfs |
Tualatin River Near Dilley
|
1130cfs |
Fanno Creek At Durham
|
36cfs |
Pudding River At Aurora
|
5980cfs |
Pudding River Near Woodburn
|
4380cfs |
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.
Hickory Hill Farm