Bear Creek
Key Takeaway
Bear Creek is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 90 ft (taller than 93.4% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 270 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 75 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 530 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00449 |
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
CITY OF ASTORIA
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bear Creek?
Bear Creek 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 Bear Creek?
Bear Creek is owned by CITY OF ASTORIA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bear Creek built?
Bear Creek was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Bear Creek?
Bear Creek serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bear Creek?
Bear Creek has a dam height of 90 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 Bear Creek last inspected?
Bear Creek was last inspected on November 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.