Dober Reservoir Dam
Dober Reservoir
Dober Reservoir, located in Orenco, Oregon, is a privately owned water resource managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Built in 1954 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 23.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 70 cubic feet per second. The reservoir spans an area of 12.25 acres and is fed by Davis Creek, serving as a vital source of water for the surrounding region.
Despite its significant hazard potential, Dober Reservoir is regularly inspected and regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features a slide gate outlet for water management and has not been rated for its current condition. The last inspection took place in November 2020, with a frequency of every three years to monitor any potential risks or issues. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Dober Reservoir plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and water supply in the region.
With its strategic location and essential role in irrigation, Dober Reservoir serves as a cornerstone for water resource management in Washington County, Oregon. As climate change continues to impact water availability and usage patterns, the reservoir's efficient operation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring sustainable water supply for agricultural and community needs. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find Dober Reservoir to be a fascinating example of how man-made structures can contribute to environmental sustainability and resource management in a changing climate.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Dober Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tualatin River Near Dilley | 199 cfs | → |
| Willamette River At Newberg | 6,050 cfs | → |
| Fanno Creek At Durham | 2 cfs | → |
| Fanno Creek At 56th Ave | 0 cfs | → |
| East Fork Dairy Creek Near Meacham Corner | 21 cfs | → |
| Tryon Creek Blw Nettle Creek | 6 cfs | → |
About Dober Reservoir
Where does the data for Dober Reservoir come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.