Drain Plywood Log Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Drain Plywood Log Pond, located in Elkton, Oregon, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1956.


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Summary

With a dam height of 13 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 176 acre-feet, this structure serves a primary purpose that is classified as 'Other'. The dam is situated on Elk Creek and is under state regulation, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement handled by the Oregon Water Resources Department.

Despite being rated as having a 'Significant' hazard potential, the condition of the Drain Plywood Log Pond dam is currently listed as 'Not Rated'. The structure features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and has undergone an inspection frequency of 3 times, with the last inspection taking place on January 13, 2021. While the dam is not operated by a federal agency, it falls within the jurisdiction of the Portland District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams in the Elkton area will find the Drain Plywood Log Pond to be an intriguing case study. With its unique design characteristics and state-regulated status, this earth dam serves as a vital component in the local water infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of human engineering with natural resource conservation in a dynamic ecosystem like Elk Creek.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

3800

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.5

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

176

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.