Skou Reservoir dam
Skou Reservoir
Skou Reservoir, located in Jackson County, Oregon, is a privately owned earth dam structure completed in 1955 for irrigation purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 114 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 108 acre-feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 13 acres and serves as a vital water source for agricultural activities in the region. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a hydraulic height of 18 feet, and a structural height of 22 feet, making it a significant component of the local water infrastructure.
Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Skou Reservoir is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safe operation. The dam has a spillway with a width of 0 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 131 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the reservoir's condition assessment is currently not rated. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be fully developed, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure.
In addition to its functional importance for irrigation, Skou Reservoir also presents opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study the impact of the dam on the local ecosystem and hydrological cycle. As a key element in the water management system of the area, the reservoir plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural activities and supporting the overall water supply in the region. Its location near the runoff from Upper Table Rock adds to its significance as a vital component of the local water infrastructure.
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.
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 Skou Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rogue River At Dodge Bridge | 2,220 cfs | → |
| Rogue River At Raygold Near Central Point | 2,140 cfs | → |
| Bear Creek At Medford | 36 cfs | → |
| Rogue River Near Mcleod | 2,170 cfs | → |
| Elk Creek Near Trail | 18 cfs | → |
| Big Butte Creek Near Mcleod | 31 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Skou Reservoir.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Gold Hill Koa
- Drifters
- Valley Of The Rogue State Park
- Rogue Elk County Park
- Chinook Winds Rv
- Elderberry Flat
Track Skou Reservoir in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Skou Reservoir
Where does the data for Skou 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Skou Reservoir.