Clark Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Clark Lake is a private-owned body of water located in Wheeler County, Oregon, near Service Creek.


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Summary

This recreational lake was completed in 1971 and serves as a popular spot for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. With a surface area of 5700 square feet and a maximum storage capacity of 89 acre-feet, Clark Lake provides ample space for outdoor recreation while also serving important purposes such as irrigation and wildlife habitat.

The earth dam that forms Clark Lake stands at a height of 15 feet, with a hydraulic height of 12 feet, making it a reliable structure for water management in the area. The lake is regulated and inspected by the Oregon Water Resources Department, ensuring that it meets safety standards and remains a low hazard potential for the surrounding community. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the lake's risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to maintain its integrity and functionality.

Clark Lake's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a slide (sluice gate) serving as the outlet gates for water release. With a drainage area of 9.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 67 cubic feet per second, the lake plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region. Overall, Clark Lake is a valuable resource for both recreational and water management purposes, contributing to the natural beauty and sustainability of Wheeler County, Oregon.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

LAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5700

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

9.3

Nid Storage

89

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.