Clear Branch

Middle Fork Hood River· Hood River, Oregon· Built 1969· Rockfill· 110 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Clear Branch is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 110 ft (taller than 94.6% in OR)
Dam Length1,440 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage5.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.6K acre-ft
Surface Area120 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Max Discharge10,400 cfs
Year Completed1969 (57 years old)
NID IDOR00451

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: September 20, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Middle Fork Irrigation District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clear Branch?

Clear Branch 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 Clear Branch?

Clear Branch is owned by Middle Fork Irrigation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Clear Branch built?

Clear Branch was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Clear Branch?

Clear Branch serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Clear Branch?

Clear Branch has a dam height of 110 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 Clear Branch last inspected?

Clear Branch was last inspected on September 20, 2022. 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.