Applegate Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Applegate Dam, also known as Applegate Reservoir, is a rockfill dam located on the Applegate River in Oregon.


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Summary

Built in 1980 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, with additional functions including fish and wildlife pond, irrigation, recreation, and others. The dam stands at a height of 242 feet and has a storage capacity of 89,300 acre-feet, serving the region by significantly reducing flood risks.

While Applegate Dam is well-built and maintained, a 2019 risk assessment categorized the life-safety risks as moderate, with the main concern being the dam's ability to handle extreme flood events. The dam's spillway gates may not have the capacity to safely release water in very large storm events, potentially leading to overtopping and downstream flooding. Despite these risks, USACE implements various risk management measures, including regular inspections, seismic monitoring, emergency action plans, and community outreach to enhance awareness of flood risks and dam safety. Overall, Applegate Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region, but the potential for flooding remains in extreme weather conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

242

River Or Stream

APPLEGATE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

1041

Hydraulic Height

235

Drainage Area

223

Nid Storage

89300

Structural Height

242

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

242
       
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.