Emmel Ranch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Emmel Ranch Dam, located in Prairie City, Oregon, is a private-owned structure primarily utilized for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1982 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this Earth-type dam stands at 27 feet high and spans 310 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 13 acre-feet, serving the agricultural needs of the area along the Slaughter House Gulch.

With a low hazard potential, Emmel Ranch Dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment, making its current state unknown. While the dam has a spillway width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 60 cubic feet per second, detailed information on its risk assessment, emergency action plan, and regulatory oversight is not available. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in sustaining the local water resources for agricultural activities in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Emmel Ranch Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned irrigation structure in a rural setting, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Slaughter House Gulch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.67

Nid Storage

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.