Sowell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Sowell Dam, located in Josephine County, Oregon, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 47 acre-feet. It is situated on the Loosley Clough, Kelly Creek, and Pay rivers and covers a surface area of 4.69 acres with a drainage area of 0.18 square miles.

With a significant hazard potential, Sowell Dam is regulated and inspected by the Oregon Water Resources Department, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a spillway type that is not specified, along with a slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. Despite being in operation for several decades, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection conducted in December 2020.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sowell Dam represents a vital component of the regional water management infrastructure in Oregon. Its role in supporting irrigation activities and water storage underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure their continued functionality and safety. The dam's location in Bridgeview and its impact on the surrounding waterways make it a key point of interest for those interested in the intersection of human development and natural resources.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

LOOSLEY CLOUGH, KELLY CREEK, PAY

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.69

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

47

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.