Van Orden Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Van Orden is a privately owned irrigation structure located in Franklin, Idaho, with a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment.


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Summary

Built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam on Worm Creek and Cub River stands at 22.5 feet high and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, supporting a drainage area of 53 square miles and a maximum discharge of 154 cubic feet per second.

Although Van Orden has a controlled spillway and is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, it has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps. Despite these shortcomings, the dam is inspected every five years and remains in a fair condition, meeting state inspection and enforcement requirements. With a very high risk assessment rating of 1, there is a need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this important water resource infrastructure in Idaho.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

22.5

River Or Stream

WORM CREEK CUB RIVER

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

15.8

Drainage Area

53

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.