Lake Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Creek, located in Jackson County, Oregon, is a private earth dam built in 1965 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 77 feet and a storage capacity of 1360 acre-feet, this dam on Lake Creek serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected and maintained by the Oregon Water Resources Department to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type, is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 1690 cubic feet per second, providing important flood control measures for the area. The structure's associated slide gates and sluice gate outlets allow for controlled water release when necessary. While the risk assessment for Lake Creek dam is moderate, with a risk level of 3, the ongoing management and maintenance efforts aim to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

As an integral part of the water management infrastructure in the region, Lake Creek dam plays a vital role in sustaining agricultural activities and maintaining water supply for irrigation. Its strategic location and design make it a key asset for water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates interested in sustainable water management practices in Oregon. The collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies underscores the importance of effective governance in safeguarding vital water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1520

Dam Height

77

River Or Stream

LAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

51.5

Hydraulic Height

75

Drainage Area

7.6

Nid Storage

1360

Structural Height

82.5

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

83
       
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.