Hammel No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hammel No.


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Summary

2 is a privately owned Earth dam located in Gold Hill, Oregon, along the Murderers Gulch river. Built in 1957 for irrigation purposes, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential, the dam has a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 23.5 feet, serving a drainage area of 1.88 square miles.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Hammel No. 2 undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam, constructed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, spans 600 feet in length and covers a surface area of 9.84 acres. Despite being not rated for its condition assessment, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second and is equipped with outlet gates for water release.

With its proximity to the Portland District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Hammel No. 2 plays a crucial role in water resource management and irrigation in the region. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals can appreciate the engineering and environmental impact of this structure on the local ecosystem and agricultural practices along the Murderers Gulch river in Jackson County, Oregon.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MURDERERS GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.84

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

1.88

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

23.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
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.