Applegate Dam

APPLEGATE RIVER· Jackson, Oregon· Built 1980· Rockfill· 242 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Applegate Dam is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 242 ft (taller than 98.5% in OR)
Dam Length1,200 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage89.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage82.2K acre-ft
Surface Area1,041 acres
Drainage Area223 sq mi
Max Discharge93,800 cfs
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)
NID IDOR00624

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 12, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Portland District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Applegate Dam?

Applegate Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Applegate Dam?

Applegate Dam is owned by USACE - Portland District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Applegate Dam built?

Applegate Dam was completed in 1980, making it 46 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Applegate Dam?

Applegate Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Applegate Dam?

Applegate Dam has a dam height of 242 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Applegate Dam last inspected?

Applegate Dam was last inspected on December 12, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.