Taft Miller Homestead Reservoir Report
Nearby: Walls Lake Dam Oscar Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Taft Miller Homestead, located in Harney, Oregon, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite its low hazard potential, Taft Miller Homestead serves as a key infrastructure for water management in the area. Equipped with slide gates for outlet control, this dam contributes to the efficient utilization of water for agricultural purposes. The last inspection conducted in June 2019 revealed that the dam is in satisfactory condition, although it has not been formally rated for its overall condition.
Managed by private owners, Taft Miller Homestead exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact water availability and distribution, the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures becomes increasingly vital. With its modest size and purpose-driven design, this earth dam represents a significant piece of Oregon's water infrastructure, ensuring sustainable water use for the surrounding community.
Dam Height |
12 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
122 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Taft Miller Homestead