Ferry Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Ferry Creek, located in Curry County, Oregon, is a vital water supply dam completed in 1966.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 65 feet and has a hydraulic height of 43 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 167 acre-feet. Serving the primary purpose of water supply, Ferry Creek Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for the local government in Brookings.

Despite its importance, Ferry Creek Dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment. The last inspection in September 2021 revealed the need for improvements to meet safety standards. With a spillway type unspecified and limited flood discharge capacity of 90 cubic feet per second, the dam's structural integrity and emergency preparedness are under scrutiny.

As water resources and climate enthusiasts, attention must be given to Ferry Creek Dam's maintenance and potential risk management measures. With its critical role in water supply and the high hazard potential identified, stakeholders and regulatory agencies must work together to ensure the dam's safety and reliability in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

155

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

Ferry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

167

Outlet Gates

Needle

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

65
       
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.