Emigrant Highway Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Emigrant Highway Dike, located in Ashland, Oregon, along Emigrant Creek, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 90 feet and spans 1500 feet in length, providing essential protection to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 39,000 acre-feet and a hazard potential rated as high, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community from potential flood events.

Managed and funded by the Bureau of Reclamation, the Emigrant Highway Dike not only serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction but also supports irrigation and recreation activities in the region. With a drainage area of 62 square miles and a surface area of 806 acres, this structure is a key component of the local water resource management system. Despite its age, the dam continues to be monitored by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.

With its strategic location and significant storage capacity of 46,700 acre-feet, the Emigrant Highway Dike remains a critical infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate. As part of the larger network of flood risk reduction measures in the area, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive water management strategies in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

90

River Or Stream

EMIGRANT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

806

Hydraulic Height

73

Drainage Area

62

Nid Storage

46700

Structural Height

90

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

90
       
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.