Ritchey Farm Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Ritchey Farm Reservoir, also known as Carpenter Creek Dam, is a privately owned water resource located in Forest Grove, Oregon.


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Summary

Built in 1985, this earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 22 acres. The reservoir is fed by the Forest Grove Effluent and has a low hazard potential, making it a reliable source of water for agricultural use in the region.

The dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a length of 300 feet. It is equipped with a slide (sluice gate) outlet gates for water control. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2017. The reservoir's location in Washington County, Oregon, makes it a vital component of the local water infrastructure, ensuring water availability for irrigation needs in the area.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, the Ritchey Farm Reservoir plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. With its regulated state jurisdiction and inspection protocols in place, the dam continues to provide essential water resources while maintaining low risk levels. As climate change impacts water availability, reservoirs like Ritchey Farm are vital for sustainable water resource management and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

FOREST GROVE EFFLUENT

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.