Elmer Reservoir 2 (Union) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Elmer Reservoir 2 in Union, Oregon, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1966 for irrigation purposes along the Grande Ronde River.
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Summary
With a dam height of 16 feet and a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet, this reservoir covers 10.5 acres and serves as a vital water resource for agricultural activities in the area. Despite its age, the dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Located in an area with no downstream settlement, Elmer Reservoir 2 plays a crucial role in water management and supply for Union County. The reservoir's primary purpose of irrigation is reflected in its design, with a slide (sluice gate) acting as the outlet gate. Although the dam has not been inspected since July 2011, it is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Oregon Water Resources Department, ensuring its continued safety and functionality.
With its strategic location and importance for irrigation, Elmer Reservoir 2 stands as a testament to the essential role of water resources in sustaining agricultural activities in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, reservoirs like Elmer play a critical role in ensuring a reliable water supply for Union County's agricultural sector.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
GRANDE RONDE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
91 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Minam River Near Minam
|
340cfs |
Meacham Creek At Gibbon
|
444cfs |
Umatilla River Above Meacham Creek
|
266cfs |
Grande Ronde River At Troy
|
3000cfs |
Mill Creek Near Walla Walla
|
102cfs |
Umatilla R At W Reservation Bndy Nr Pendleton
|
573cfs |
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.
Elmer Reservoir 2 (Union)