Panther Creek Reservoir dam
Panther Creek Reservoir
Panther Creek Reservoir, also known as Carlton Reservoir, is a vital water supply system located in Lafayette, Oregon. Managed by the local government, this reservoir plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding communities. Completed in 1971, the Earth-type dam stands at a height of 49 feet and has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 75 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 4.3 acres and has a drainage area of 3.1 square miles, ensuring a reliable water source for the region.
The reservoir, situated on Panther Creek, is state-regulated and maintained by the Oregon Water Resources Department. With its significant hazard potential, the dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The outlet gates consist of a needle type, and the reservoir has a maximum discharge capacity of 1180 cubic feet per second. Despite being not rated for its condition assessment, Panther Creek Reservoir remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area, serving as a lifeline for the local communities and wildlife.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Panther Creek Reservoir stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices. As a primary source of water supply, this reservoir plays a crucial role in meeting the region's water demands while ensuring environmental conservation. With its strategic location and well-maintained structure, Panther Creek Reservoir exemplifies the careful balance between human needs and nature's resilience, making it a valuable asset in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water scarcity challenges.
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 Panther Creek Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tucca Creek Near Blaine | 7 cfs | → |
| South Yamhill River At Mcminnville | 256 cfs | → |
| Tualatin River Near Dilley | 96 cfs | → |
| Willamette River At Newberg | 11,100 cfs | → |
| Trask River Above Cedar Creek | 279 cfs | → |
| Wilson River Near Tillamook | 370 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Panther Creek Reservoir.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Dovre Campground
- Fan Creek Campground
- Elk Bend Campground
- Alder Glen Campground
- Rocky Bend
- Rocky Bend Campground
Track Panther Creek Reservoir 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 Panther Creek Reservoir
Where does the data for Panther Creek Reservoir 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 Significant 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 Panther Creek Reservoir.