Pelton Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

Oregon

Nearby: Pelton Regulating Round Butte

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pelton, located in Warm Springs, Oregon, is a captivating hydroelectric dam situated on the Deschutes River.

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Summary

Constructed in 1957, this arch-type dam stands at a height of 204 feet, with a hydraulic height of 195 feet, making it a significant structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a storage capacity of 31,800 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 23,500 cubic feet per second, Pelton plays a crucial role in water management and renewable energy production in the region.

The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, but it also offers recreational opportunities for visitors. Its controlled spillway, with a width of 76 feet, ensures safe water release during high-flow events. Despite its high hazard potential, Pelton has not undergone recent condition assessments, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and resilience to potential risks. With the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission overseeing its regulation and inspections, Pelton remains an essential infrastructure for sustainable water resource management and climate mitigation efforts in Oregon.

Pelton's strategic location, structural design, and operational capacity make it a key player in the region's water resource and climate resilience strategies. As a critical piece of the Deschutes River ecosystem, Pelton provides not only clean energy but also valuable recreational opportunities and flood control measures. With its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, ongoing monitoring and risk management measures are essential to safeguarding this vital infrastructure for future generations. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, Pelton's role in sustainable water management and renewable energy production will only grow in importance.

Year Completed	1957
Dam Length	776
Dam Height	204
River Or Stream	Deschutes River
Primary Dam Type	Arch
Surface Area	540
Hydraulic Height	195
Drainage Area	7800
Nid Storage	31800
Structural Height	204
Outlet Gates	Tainter (radial) - 2
Hazard Potential	High
Nid Height	204

Explore Interactive Map

PELTON

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 6, 2025

Year_Completed	1957
Dam_Length	776
Dam_Height	204
River_Or_Stream	Deschutes River
Primary_Dam_Type	Arch
Surface_Area	540
Hydraulic_Height	195
Drainage_Area	7800
Nid_Storage	31800
Structural_Height	204
Outlet_Gates	Tainter (radial) - 2
Hazard_Potential	High
Nid_Height	204

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Deschutes River Near Madras 4100.0cfs	4100cfs
Shitike Creek Near Warm Springs 58.6cfs	59cfs
Warm Springs River Near Kahneeta Hot Springs 237.0cfs	237cfs
Metolius River Near Grandview 1290.0cfs	1290cfs
Deschutes River Near Culver 841.0cfs	841cfs
Crooked River Below Opal Springs 1230.0cfs	1230cfs

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.