Belchers Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Belchers Dam, located in Gresham, Oregon, is a privately owned structure that plays a vital role in irrigation along the Middle Fork Beaver Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, Belchers Dam is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Belchers Dam serves as a key resource for water storage and distribution in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1120 cubic feet per second. Despite not having an official condition assessment, the dam's low hazard potential indicates that it poses minimal risk to surrounding areas. The dam's location in Multnomah County, Oregon, makes it a crucial component of the local water infrastructure, supporting agricultural activities and ensuring water availability for the community.

As an essential feature for irrigation purposes, Belchers Dam contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in the area. Its construction and operation are subject to state regulations and inspections, highlighting the commitment to maintaining the dam's integrity and safety. With a history dating back to the 1960s, Belchers Dam continues to play a significant role in water management along the Middle Fork Beaver Creek, showcasing the importance of thoughtful infrastructure development in mitigating the impact of climate change on water availability and usage.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

MIDDLE FORK BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1.01

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

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.
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Area Campgrounds