Vaughn Reservoir (Malheur) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Malheur, Oregon, Vaughn Reservoir is a privately owned water resource designed primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 70 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 825 acre-feet. The reservoir spans 37 acres and is fed by the South Fork Indian Creek, with a drainage area of 13 square miles.

Maintained by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Vaughn Reservoir has a low hazard potential and is inspected every 6 years, with the last assessment conducted in October 2018. The reservoir features needle outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 675 cubic feet per second. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by state authorities, ensuring its safe operation for irrigation purposes.

Vaughn Reservoir serves as a vital water source for the surrounding area, contributing to agricultural activities in the region. With its strategic location and essential role in water management, this reservoir plays a key role in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting the irrigation needs of the community. As a well-maintained and regulated structure, Vaughn Reservoir exemplifies the importance of water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

165

Dam Height

64

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

13

Nid Storage

825

Structural Height

70

Outlet Gates

Needle

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

70
       
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.