Dowell Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crowley Hope Reservoir
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dowell Reservoir, located in Malheur, Oregon, is a private irrigation reservoir on Road Canyon Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1989, this earth dam stands at 17 feet tall with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 40 acres and serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Walla Walla District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Dowell Reservoir is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department. Despite its low hazard potential, the reservoir is subject to state inspection and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The outlet gates are equipped with a slide (sluice gate) for water release.
Although not rated for condition assessment, Dowell Reservoir remains a crucial water resource for agriculture in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the reservoir's role in supporting irrigation activities and its contribution to the local ecosystem. With its strategic location and reliable infrastructure, Dowell Reservoir plays a vital role in water management in Malheur County, Oregon.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
ROAD CANYON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
40 |
Drainage Area |
4.3 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Dowell Reservoir