Soda Springs Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Soda Springs, located in Idleyld Park, Oregon, is a privately owned hydroelectric facility on the North Umpqua River.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this arch dam stands at a height of 124.5 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 512 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power, the dam also serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 32 acres for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Soda Springs has a controlled spillway with a width of 107 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 17,500 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available. The dam's Emergency Action Plan was last revised in April 2021, indicating a commitment to ensuring public safety in the event of an emergency.

With its picturesque location in Douglas County, Oregon, Soda Springs is a vital piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource management. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, the details of Soda Springs' design and operation offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of engineering, environmental conservation, and energy production in the Pacific Northwest.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

340.6

Dam Height

124.5

River Or Stream

North Umpqua River

Primary Dam Type

Arch

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

119.5

Drainage Area

438

Nid Storage

512

Structural Height

126.5

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

127
       
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.