Big Creek #2 (Upper) dam
Big Creek #2 (Upper)
Big Creek #2 (Upper) is a crucial water supply infrastructure located in Newport, Oregon, owned and regulated by the local government. The earth dam, completed in 1970, stands at a height of 56 feet and has a storage capacity of 1190 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of water supply. The dam has a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a high hazard potential, with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of June 2021.
With a drainage area of 2.83 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2000 cubic feet per second, Big Creek #2 (Upper) plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's location in the Portland District ensures its importance in the overall water infrastructure of the area. Despite its age, ongoing inspections, and state regulation, the dam faces moderate risk, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Big Creek #2 (Upper) an intriguing subject, given its critical role in supplying water to the surrounding community. The dam's design, construction, and operational aspects provide valuable insights into water management practices and the challenges associated with maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As efforts are made to ensure the safety and efficacy of this vital water supply structure, its story serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of water resources and the environment.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Big Creek #2 (Upper) -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Siletz River At Siletz | 346 cfs | → |
| Alsea River Near Tidewater | 429 cfs | → |
| East Fork Lobster Creek Near Alsea | 4 cfs | → |
| Marys River Near Philomath | 115 cfs | → |
| Willamette River At Corvallis | 6,340 cfs | → |
| Luckiamute River Near Suver | 222 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big Creek #2 (Upper).
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Port Of Newport Marina And Rv Park
- South Beach State Park
- Group Site 2
- Group Site 3
- Group Site 1
- Beverly Beach State Park
Track Big Creek #2 (Upper) in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Big Creek #2 (Upper)
Where does the data for Big Creek #2 (Upper) come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Big Creek #2 (Upper).