Pons Lake Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Poison Creek Dam Buffalo Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Pons Lake Reservoir, also known as Charlie Smith Dam, is a private-owned water resource located in Burns, Oregon.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a hydraulic height of 16 feet, and a length of 750 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 785 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 136 acres, drawing water from Bridge Creek and Cottonwood Creek for irrigation purposes.
Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Pons Lake Reservoir plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural irrigation in the region. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that has not been rated, the dam is regularly inspected every six years to ensure its safety and integrity. Additionally, the reservoir has a maximum discharge capacity of 225 cubic feet per second and is situated within a drainage area of 17.1 square miles.
Despite its private ownership, Pons Lake Reservoir serves as a vital water source in the Grant County area, contributing to the local agricultural economy and supporting the surrounding community. With its strategic location and reliable water supply, this reservoir plays a key role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for agricultural sustainability and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
BRIDGE CREEK& COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
136 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
17.1 |
Nid Storage |
785 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Pons Lake Reservoir