Elms Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Elms Reservoir, located in Baker, Oregon, is a private irrigation reservoir with a primary purpose of providing water for agricultural use.


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Summary

Completed in 1908, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 35.9 acres and is fed by a tributary to Job Creek, making it an essential water source for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Elms Reservoir maintains a low hazard potential and has not been rated for overall condition. The outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate) for water control, and the last inspection in May 2017 revealed no significant issues. The reservoir is under state regulation by the Oregon Water Resources Department, ensuring that it meets permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements to safeguard its integrity and water supply reliability.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Elms Reservoir serves as a historical and functional piece of infrastructure that highlights the importance of water management for agricultural sustainability in the region. With its modest size and low hazard potential, this reservoir continues to play a vital role in supporting local irrigation needs and contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in Oregon.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TRIB TO JOB CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35.9

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

190

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.