Owen Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
Owen is a private irrigation dam located in Brownsboro, Oregon, along the Little Butte Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet, with a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Owen plays a vital role in supplying water for agricultural use in the region.
Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Owen is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. With a surface area of 3.6 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile, this dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 526 cubic feet per second, providing essential support to the local irrigation system.
While Owen has not been rated for its condition assessment, regular inspections are conducted every 6 years to monitor its structural integrity. In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are yet to be fully developed. As a key component of water resource management in the area, Owen serves as a crucial infrastructure for sustaining agricultural activities and ensuring water availability for the community.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE BUTTE CREEK, TRIB TO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rogue River At Dodge Bridge
|
2630cfs |
Bear Creek At Medford
|
167cfs |
Big Butte Creek Near Mcleod
|
261cfs |
Rogue River Near Mcleod
|
1890cfs |
Rogue R At Cole M Rivers F Hatchery Nr Mcleod
|
1340cfs |
Bear Creek Blw Ashland Creek At Ashland
|
93cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Owen
Antelope Creek