Ford Farms Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Ford Farms Reservoir, also known as Ford Dam, is a privately owned water resource located in Lane, Oregon.


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Summary

Built in 1959, this Earth-type dam on Coyote Creek serves primarily for irrigation purposes, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a structural height of 25 feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 13.75 acres and has a drainage area of 1.8 square miles.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Ford Farms Reservoir is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam stands at 22 feet high with a hydraulic height of 19 feet, ensuring a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. It is situated in the city of Cheshire, approximately 16 miles away from its nearest point of interest. The dam's last inspection was conducted in February 2020, with an inspection frequency of every 3 years.

Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, Ford Farms Reservoir remains a crucial component of the local irrigation infrastructure in Lane County. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management and agricultural sustainability in the region. Its association with Coyote Creek and the Portland District underscores its importance in supporting the surrounding ecosystem and contributing to the overall water security of the area.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

COYOTE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.75

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.