Barnes Butte
Key Takeaway
Barnes Butte is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 28 ft (taller than 54.8% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 405 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 420 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 340 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 307 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00284 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
DEBACA LAND & CATTLE LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Barnes Butte?
Barnes Butte 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 Barnes Butte?
Barnes Butte is owned by DEBACA LAND & CATTLE LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Barnes Butte built?
Barnes Butte was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Barnes Butte?
Barnes Butte serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Barnes Butte?
Barnes Butte has a dam height of 28 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 Barnes Butte last inspected?
Barnes Butte was last inspected on August 6, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.