Morrow Brothers (Jefferson) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Morrow Brothers Reservoir, also known as Morrow Brothers (Jefferson), is a privately owned irrigation reservoir located in Madras, Oregon.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 23 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. The reservoir primarily serves the purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.

Situated on Willow Creek in Jefferson County, the Morrow Brothers Reservoir covers a surface area of 17 acres and has a drainage area of 25.4 square miles. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the reservoir undergoes inspections every six years to ensure its safety and functionality. While the spillway type and width are not specified, the dam has a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 24.5 feet.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Morrow Brothers (Jefferson) plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region by providing irrigation water to the surrounding farmlands. With its modest size and efficient design, this reservoir contributes to the sustainable utilization of water resources in the area while enhancing the resilience of local agriculture to changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

25.4

Nid Storage

170

Structural Height

24.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.