Mud Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mud Creek Dam, located in Malheur, Oregon, is a federal-owned structure primarily designed for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1961 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a structural height of 7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6 feet, with a length of 570 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 295 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 126 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 10.2 square miles.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Mud Creek Dam is considered to be in good condition, albeit not rated for its current state. The dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have an emergency action plan prepared. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has not had any issues with discharge, with a maximum capacity of 76 cubic feet per second. The last inspection in September 2018 indicated a need for inspections every 5 years to ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality.

In the event of an emergency, there is no designated emergency contact list or inundation maps prepared for the area. However, with the Bureau of Land Management overseeing its construction, regulation, inspection, and operation, Mud Creek Dam remains a vital water resource infrastructure in Oregon, providing essential water supply to the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

570

River Or Stream

MUD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

53.4

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

10.2

Nid Storage

295

Structural Height

7

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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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.