Berger Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Croft Duck Pond Dam
Last Updated: January 5, 2026
Berger Lake, also known as Hidden Lakes, is a privately owned water resource located in Salem, Oregon.
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Summary
This reservoir on Pringle Creek serves multiple purposes, including irrigation and providing a habitat for fish and wildlife. The earth dam that creates Berger Lake stands at 14 feet in height and has a length of 359 feet, completed in 1953. With a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.5 acres, the reservoir plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Berger Lake is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its structural integrity and environmental impact. The dam's spillway features a slide gate for controlled water release, with a maximum discharge rate of 17 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. Emergency action plans and risk assessments for Berger Lake are currently not documented, indicating room for improvement in emergency preparedness.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate conservation will find Berger Lake to be a fascinating case study of a privately owned reservoir in Marion County, Oregon. Its importance in supporting irrigation activities and providing a habitat for local wildlife highlights the intersection of human development and environmental stewardship. As efforts to mitigate climate change continue, the management and maintenance of water resources like Berger Lake will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
359 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
PRINGLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
1.5 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Willamette River At Salem
|
33300cfs |
Luckiamute River Near Suver
|
1170cfs |
Santiam River At Jefferson
|
14700cfs |
North Santiam River Near Jefferson
|
5430cfs |
Silver Creek At Silverton
|
52cfs |
Abiqua Creek At Silverton
|
74cfs |
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.
Berger Lake
Riverfront Park