Oxbow Ranch Dam (Grant) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Oxbow Ranch Dam, also known as Squaw Creek Reservoir, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Grant County, Oregon.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes along Squaw Creek. The dam spans 445 feet in length and covers a surface area of 3.2 acres, serving as a vital water resource for the surrounding agricultural landscape.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Oxbow Ranch Dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam poses minimal risk to the area. Despite being privately owned, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting the local irrigation needs and maintaining water supply in the region. Its construction and operation highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices in a changing climate.

Situated in the beautiful landscape of Grant County, Oregon, Oxbow Ranch Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate change, the careful monitoring and maintenance of structures like Oxbow Ranch Dam serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

445

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

SQUAW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.2

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

42
       
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.