Bear Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Bear Creek in Clatsop, Oregon, is a gravity dam completed in 1953 with a primary purpose of water supply.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 90 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 800 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 700 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of Bear Creek, a 3.2 square mile drainage area, with a maximum discharge of 530 cubic feet per second.

Despite its critical role in water supply, Bear Creek Dam has a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term safety and efficiency. The dam is owned by the local government and falls under state jurisdiction for regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The last inspection in November 2021 revealed its poor condition, prompting further assessment and potential risk management measures to be considered.

Located in the scenic city of Svensen, Bear Creek Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its historical significance and crucial role in providing water supply, safeguarding the dam's integrity and improving its condition will be essential for ensuring the continued resilience of the water system in Clatsop County, Oregon.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

90

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

74.5

Hydraulic Height

88

Drainage Area

3.2

Nid Storage

800

Structural Height

94

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

94
       
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.