Mckenzie Canyon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

McKenzie Canyon Dam, also known as Squaw Creek I.D.


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Summary

Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Deschutes County, Oregon. Built in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes along Squaw Creek. With a storage capacity of 89 acre-feet and a surface area of 30 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for agricultural activities in the region.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, McKenzie Canyon Dam is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a significant hazard potential and a historic maximum discharge of 80 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with slide (sluice gate) outlet gates for water release. Despite not having a formal condition assessment, the dam remains operational and continues to support the water needs of the surrounding area.

Located 75 miles from the city of Maupin, McKenzie Canyon Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the region. Its presence along Squaw Creek highlights the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems, showcasing the delicate balance needed to sustainably harness and utilize water resources in the face of a changing climate. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the complexities of water management and the critical role dams play in meeting the water demands of communities and ecosystems alike.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SQUAW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

89

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.