Pole Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pole Creek, located in Brogan, Oregon, is a privately owned irrigation dam constructed in 1944 with a primary purpose of providing water for agricultural use.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 58 feet and has a storage capacity of 2200 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding area. Despite its significant contribution to irrigation needs, Pole Creek Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as reported in the latest assessment in September 2021.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Pole Creek Dam is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam spans 480 feet in length and impounds Pole and Blacks Creek, covering a surface area of 160 acres. With a drainage area of 1.1 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, although its deteriorating condition raises concerns about potential risks and the need for maintenance and improvements.

Given its age and condition, Pole Creek Dam presents challenges in terms of safety and reliability, prompting the need for ongoing monitoring and potential rehabilitation efforts. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, stakeholders must address the dam's deficiencies to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the continued availability of water for irrigation purposes. With its historical significance and functional role in water management, Pole Creek Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

POLE & BLACKS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

160

Hydraulic Height

56

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

2200

Structural Height

58

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.