Emigrant Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Emigrant, also known as E-1, is a Federal-owned dam located in Ashland, Oregon.


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Summary

Built in 1960 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 204 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreation. With a storage capacity of 46,700 acre-feet and a surface area of 806 acres, Emigrant plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of Emigrant Creek, Hyatt, and Howard Prairie Reservoirs.

With a hazard potential rated as high, Emigrant is a key infrastructure in the region for mitigating flood risks and ensuring water supply for various purposes. The dam is associated with three other structures and is regulated, inspected, and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Emigrant is not available, and the last inspection was conducted in May 2020. As we continue to face challenges related to climate change and water resource management, the role of dams like Emigrant becomes even more critical in ensuring the resilience of our water infrastructure.

Located in Jackson County, Oregon, Emigrant Dam stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the past, providing essential services to the local community and beyond. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, the need for effective water resource management and flood risk reduction measures becomes increasingly urgent. Emigrant serves as a vital piece of this puzzle, highlighting the interconnectedness of water resources, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

204

River Or Stream

EMIGRANT CREEK, HYATT & HOWARD PRAIRIE RES

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

806

Hydraulic Height

203

Drainage Area

62

Nid Storage

46700

Structural Height

204

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

204
       
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.