Oregon End Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Oregon End Dam, located in Harney County, Oregon, serves as a crucial irrigation structure on Rincon Creek.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam, completed in 1955, stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. With a normal storage of 205 acre-feet and a drainage area of 8.4 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities in the region.
Although considered to have a low hazard potential, Oregon End Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections by the Oregon Water Resources Department. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) as its outlet gates and an uncontrolled spillway type. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
With no downstream settlement to protect, Oregon End Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing water resources for irrigation purposes. As climate change continues to impact water availability and usage patterns, the maintenance and regulation of such dams become increasingly important in sustaining agricultural activities and ecological balance in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
417 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
RINCON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
8.4 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Oregon End Dam
Van Horn Creek