Haystack Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Haystack is a federal-owned dam located in Oregon, specifically in Jefferson County near the city of Madras.


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Summary

Built in 1956 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this earth dam stands at a height of 105 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 7350 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Haystack Creek OS, has a structural height of 102 feet and a hydraulic height of 74 feet, covering a surface area of 280 acres and draining a 10 square mile watershed.

Despite its age, Haystack dam remains an essential water resource infrastructure in the region, with a high hazard potential and risk assessment rating of 2. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, posing challenges in managing excess water flow during peak periods. Although the condition assessment is not available, the Bureau of Reclamation oversees inspections and operations to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. With its significant storage capacity and critical role in supporting irrigation needs, Haystack dam continues to be a vital asset in water management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

105

River Or Stream

HAYSTACK CREEK OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

280

Hydraulic Height

74

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

7350

Structural Height

102

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

105
       
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.