Ritter (Large) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Keno Reservoir Worden Reservoir 2
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Ritter (Large) is a privately owned dam located in Bonanza, Oregon, along the Wildhorse Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1903 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 29.7 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 35 feet. It has a storage capacity of 293 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 47 acres. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Oregon Water Resources Department.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is equipped with slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. With a maximum discharge capacity of 942 cubic feet per second, Ritter (Large) serves the surrounding area for agricultural irrigation needs. While it has not been rated for its condition, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, indicating the importance of ongoing risk management measures.
The last inspection of Ritter (Large) was conducted in August 2017, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 6 years. Situated within the Klamath County of Oregon, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management and agriculture in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Ritter (Large) to be a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering contributing to sustainable water usage in the area.
Year Completed |
1903 |
Dam Length |
770 |
Dam Height |
29.7 |
River Or Stream |
WILDHORSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
47 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
15.6 |
Nid Storage |
293 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Ritter (Large)