Olive Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Located in the picturesque Grant County, Oregon, Olive Lake is a stunning reservoir created by an earth dam in 1907 for hydroelectric and recreational purposes.


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Summary

Managed by the USDA Forest Service, this Federal-owned oasis offers a tranquil escape with a surface area of 320 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 3,300 acre-feet. Situated along Lake Creek in the city of Dale, Olive Lake boasts a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate, ensuring the safety and regulation of water flow.

With a dam height of 39 feet and a structural height of 39 feet, Olive Lake stands as a conservation marvel in the heart of nature. The reservoir's high hazard potential is met with a stringent inspection frequency of every 5 years, demonstrating a commitment to safety and risk management. Despite the lack of a formal condition assessment, Olive Lake's condition remains stable and well-maintained, providing a haven for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the beauty of this Federal-owned gem in Oregon's wilderness.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

LAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

320

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

3300

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

39
       
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.
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