Baker Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Baker, Er is a privately owned earth dam located in Newberg, Oregon, along the Chehalem Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this irrigation dam stands at a height of 56 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 250 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of irrigation in the region. With a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential, Baker, Er is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite its age, Baker, Er continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in Yamhill County, Oregon. With a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 115 cubic feet per second, this dam helps regulate water flow and provide essential irrigation water for agricultural activities in the surrounding area. Although it has a high hazard potential, its fair condition assessment indicates that it is currently in a stable and functional state.
Maintaining Baker, Er's safety and structural integrity is vital for ensuring water security and climate resilience in the region. Its emergency action plan, hazard potential, and condition assessment are key factors that water resource and climate enthusiasts should monitor closely to mitigate risks and safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential dam failures or emergencies. With its location in a critical watershed and its role in irrigation, Baker, Er serves as a reminder of the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
820 |
Dam Height |
56 |
River Or Stream |
CHEHALEM CREEK, TRIB TO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
50 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Structural Height |
59 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
59 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Willamette River At Newberg
|
52600cfs |
Tualatin River Near Dilley
|
1130cfs |
South Yamhill River At Mcminnville
|
8310cfs |
Fanno Creek At Durham
|
36cfs |
Pudding River At Aurora
|
5980cfs |
Pudding River Near Woodburn
|
4380cfs |
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.
Baker, Er