Hope Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Hope Reservoir, located in Malheur, Oregon, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 715 acre-feet, this reservoir on Burnt Flat Creek covers a surface area of 350 acres and has a drainage area of 29.1 square miles. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and not being rated for condition assessment, the reservoir provides essential water resources for agricultural activities in the region.

Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Hope Reservoir is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with water management practices. While it lacks certain infrastructure features like spillways and outlet gates, the reservoir remains a critical asset for the local community's water needs. With its designer listed as HANLEY and its location specified as S3, T27.00S, R40.00E of WM, Hope Reservoir showcases the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource utilization in sustaining agricultural activities in the area.

Despite not being under federal jurisdiction, Hope Reservoir plays a vital role in supporting irrigation and water resource management in Malheur, Oregon. Its efficient design and state-regulated operations ensure a reliable supply of water for agricultural purposes while maintaining a low hazard potential. As climate change continues to impact water availability, reservoirs like Hope play a crucial role in securing water resources for a sustainable future in the region.

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

BURNT FLAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

350

Drainage Area

29.1

Nid Storage

715

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.