Kinzua Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clark Lake Wineland
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Located in Wheeler, Oregon, Kinzua is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1955 with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 27 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 3.5 square miles. With a surface area of 4.9 acres, Kinzua plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
The dam's low hazard potential and not yet rated condition assessment reflect its overall stability and safety. Although it has not been modified in recent years, Kinzua undergoes regular inspections every six years to ensure its structural integrity. Equipped with a slide (sluice gate) outlet, the dam is designed to discharge a maximum of 242 cubic feet per second, further demonstrating its importance for water regulation and management in the area.
With its strategic location and key role in irrigation, Kinzua stands as a vital infrastructure contributing to water resource management in Wheeler, Oregon. As climate change continues to impact water availability and distribution, structures like Kinzua play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable water usage and supply for the region's agricultural needs.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
27 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
3.5 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Kinzua