Empire Lake, Lower is a gravity dam located in Coos, Oregon, designed for water supply purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1935, this dam stands at a height of 10 feet with a hydraulic and structural height of 10 and 11.5 feet respectively. It boasts a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17 acres, serving as a vital water resource for the local community in the city of Empire.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Empire Lake, Lower has a low hazard potential and is inspected every 6 years to ensure its safety and functionality. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it remains a crucial infrastructure for water supply in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 82 cubic feet per second. Situated along Chickness Creek, a tributary to a nearby river, this dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area.
Despite its age, Empire Lake, Lower continues to fulfill its primary purpose of providing water supply to the community while meeting state regulatory standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. With its strategic location and historical significance dating back to the 1930s, this gravity dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
50 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
CHICKNESS CREEK, TRIB TO |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
192 |
Structural Height |
11.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Little Wolf Creek Near Tyee
|
1cfs |
South Fork Coquille River At Powers
|
118cfs |
Umpqua River Near Elkton
|
1250cfs |
North Umpqua River At Winchester
|
930cfs |
South Umpqua River Near Brockway
|
248cfs |
Siuslaw River Near Mapleton
|
465cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bluebill Campground
|
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Bastendorff Campground
|
||
#69 & 70
|
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Rooke - Higgins County Park
|
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Blue Ridge Trails Staging Area
|