Peterson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Peterson, Floyd is a privately owned dam located in Marion, Oregon, along the Abiqua Creek tributary.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 26.7 meters and serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.15 acres. The dam has a significant hazard potential and is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its remote location in Silverton, Peterson, Floyd plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the local community. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and a spillway type that is not specified in the data. With a maximum discharge of 265 cubic feet per second, the dam contributes to the management of water resources in the area and supports the ecological health of the Abiqua Creek watershed. Additionally, the dam's structural height of 27 meters and hydraulic height of 23 meters highlight its importance in maintaining water levels and flow in the region.

As an integral part of the water infrastructure in Oregon, Peterson, Floyd represents a blend of human ingenuity and natural resource management. The dam's presence underscores the complex relationship between water resources and climate, as it provides both recreational benefits and potential risks if not properly maintained. With its state-regulated status and regular inspections, Peterson, Floyd stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance the needs of water users while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

43

Dam Height

26.7

River Or Stream

ABIQUA CREEK, TRIB TO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.15

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

19

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.