South Cottonwood Creek Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

South Cottonwood Creek Reservoir, located in Malheur County, Oregon, is a gravity dam constructed in 1961 by the Bureau of Land Management for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

The reservoir has a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 28 feet, with a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 9 acre-feet. Situated along the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek, the reservoir covers a surface area of 9 acres and has a low hazard potential with a poor condition assessment.

Despite its limited storage capacity, South Cottonwood Creek Reservoir serves as a vital resource for water supply and wildlife habitat in the J. Lawrence Ranch area. The dam, primarily owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting local agriculture. However, the reservoir's poor condition assessment highlights the need for regular maintenance and inspection to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

With its historical significance dating back to the early 1960s, South Cottonwood Creek Reservoir stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in arid regions like Oregon. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the proper stewardship of reservoirs like South Cottonwood Creek becomes increasingly essential in safeguarding against drought, wildfires, and other environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

110

River Or Stream

S. FK. COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.