Howell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ruckmans Reservoir Fleets Loop
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Howell is a privately-owned earth dam located in Imbler, Oregon, along the Grande Ronde River's old channel.
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Summary
Completed in 1980, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition, with the last inspection conducted in July 2011. The outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate), and the dam is regulated and inspected by the Oregon Water Resources Department.
The Howell dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Union County, Oregon, serving as a vital irrigation structure for the surrounding agricultural lands. With a structural height of 18 feet and a length of 630 feet, the dam helps regulate water flow and storage along the Grande Ronde River. While its hazard potential is low, regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality. The dam's location within the Portland District underscores its significance in water resource management in the region.
As a key component of the irrigation infrastructure in Union County, the Howell dam contributes to the sustainable use of water resources for agricultural purposes. Its presence highlights the importance of proper dam maintenance and inspection to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the efficiency of water distribution for irrigation. With its earth construction and slide gate outlet, the Howell dam stands as a testament to the careful balance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
630 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
GRANDE RONDE RIVER, OLD CHANNEL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
0.54 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Minam River Near Minam
|
340cfs |
Meacham Creek At Gibbon
|
444cfs |
Umatilla River Above Meacham Creek
|
266cfs |
Mill Creek Near Walla Walla
|
102cfs |
Umatilla R At W Reservation Bndy Nr Pendleton
|
573cfs |
Grande Ronde River At Troy
|
3000cfs |
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.
Howell