SNOFLO

Buck Butte Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Buck Butte Reservoir, located in Klamath, Oregon, is a privately owned Earth dam structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1976 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this reservoir stands at a height of 25 feet with a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 19.5 acres and is fed by Simons Creek, with a drainage area of 4.01 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Buck Butte Reservoir is regulated and inspected by the Oregon Water Resources Department, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. The reservoir has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its last inspection was conducted in August 2017. With a normal storage capacity of 114 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 188 cubic feet per second, Buck Butte Reservoir plays a crucial role in sustaining irrigation activities in the region.

While the reservoir does not have a spillway or outlet gates, its relatively small size and low-risk profile make it a vital water resource for the surrounding agricultural lands. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique features and purpose of Buck Butte Reservoir provide an interesting case study in sustainable water management and the importance of maintaining infrastructure for irrigation in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1025

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

SIMONS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

4.01

Nid Storage

114

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Buck Butte ReservoirLINK RIVER AT KLAMATH FALLS Preview Link River At Klamath Falls
918.0cfs
918cfs
Buck Butte ReservoirNORTH CANAL AT HIGHWAY 97 Preview North Canal At Highway 97
92.7cfs
93cfs
Buck Butte ReservoirADY CANAL AT HIGHWAY 97 Preview Ady Canal At Highway 97
35.8cfs
36cfs
Buck Butte ReservoirKLAMATH STRAITS DRAIN NEAR WORDEN Preview Klamath Straits Drain Near Worden
0.69cfs
1cfs
Buck Butte ReservoirKLAMATH RIVER AT KENO Preview Klamath River At Keno
720.0cfs
720cfs
Buck Butte ReservoirKLAMATH RIVER BLW JOHN C.BOYLE PWRPLNT Preview Klamath River Blw John C.Boyle Pwrplnt
930.0cfs
930cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs