Hay Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hay Lake, located in Harney, Oregon, is a privately owned irrigation reservoir with a dam constructed in 1905.


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Summary

The primary purpose of the dam is to provide water for irrigation, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 133.6 acres. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 8 feet, serving the drainage area of 23.7 square miles.

Despite being over a century old, Hay Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated in terms of its condition assessment. The dam features a Needle outlet gate and has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years. The last inspection of the dam took place in 1960, with an inspection frequency of every 6 years. The dam is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities falling under state jurisdiction.

Overall, Hay Lake serves as a vital resource for irrigation in the region, with its modest size and low hazard potential making it a relatively low-risk structure. As a privately owned reservoir, it plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area. With ongoing state regulation and inspections, Hay Lake Dam continues to fulfill its intended purpose of water storage for irrigation while maintaining a safe and stable condition for the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

HAY AND AVERY CREEKS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

133.6

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

23.7

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Needle

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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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