Sams Valley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Sams Valley, located in Jackson County, Oregon, is home to a significant earth dam completed in 1956 for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 60 feet and with a storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet, serves the local community by regulating the flow of the East Fork Sams, West Fork Sams, and Minera rivers. The dam, managed by the local government, has a fair condition assessment and is inspected annually to ensure its safety and efficacy.

With a hazard potential rated as high, the Sams Valley dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential irrigation water to local farmers and residents. The dam's emergency action plan is continually updated to meet guidelines, ensuring the safety of those living downstream in the event of a potential breach.

Overall, Sams Valley dam stands as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in supporting agriculture and communities in Oregon. With its strategic location and efficient operation, the dam serves as a vital resource for water supply and management in the region, showcasing the intersection of climate resilience and sustainable water practices.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

EAST FORK SAMS, WEST FORK SAMS, & MINERA

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

58

Drainage Area

1.93

Nid Storage

1200

Structural Height

61

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

61
       
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.