Summary
Fork Squaw Creek Dam, also known as Squaw Creek Reservoir, is a gravity dam located in Malheur, Oregon, owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management. Completed in 1970, this dam primarily serves recreational purposes and stands at a height of 33 feet, with a hydraulic height of 29 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 48.2 acres along the S. Fork Squaw Creek.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition and in need of assessment and potential maintenance. The last inspection was conducted in September 2020, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and is situated in a picturesque location near Ranch House in Oregon. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the S. Fork Squaw Creek Dam presents an intriguing case study in the management and maintenance of recreational dams in the Pacific Northwest region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
261 |
River Or Stream |
S. FORK SQUAW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
48.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
43 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
S. Fork Squaw Creek Dam
Canyon Cr - M9
Black Canyon Cr - M6