Olson Flashboard Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Olson Flashboard Dam, located in Amity, Oregon, along the Ash Swale River, was completed in 1975 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This private dam, owned by Deraeve-Hur, INC., stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 36.3 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Olson Flashboard Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are yet to be fully documented, emphasizing the need for comprehensive emergency preparedness.

In the event of a potential breach or emergency situation, it is essential for stakeholders and local authorities to have a clear understanding of the dam's risk profile and emergency response protocols. With Suzanne Bonamici as the congressional representative for the area, ensuring the safety and functionality of Olson Flashboard Dam remains a priority for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

ASH SWALE

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

36.3

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.