Kay Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kay Lake is a privately-owned reservoir located in North Plains, Oregon, with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, serving as a critical water source for the surrounding agricultural community. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 145 cubic feet per second, making it a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure.
Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Kay Lake is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. The dam has a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment as of December 2020 was deemed satisfactory. Equipped with needle outlet gates, the reservoir covers a surface area of 3.7 acres and drains a 0.4 square mile watershed, contributing to the conservation and distribution of water resources in the region. With its strategic location along McKay Creek, Kay Lake plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural activities and mitigating the impacts of climate variability on water availability.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
MCKAY CREEK, TRIB TO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Kay Lake
Happy Rock Moorage Inc.