Cottonwood Meadows

COTTONWOOD CREEK· Lake, Oregon· Built 1961· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Cottonwood Meadows is classified as significant hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 43.9% in OR)
Dam Length1,930 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage460 acre-ft
Normal Storage240 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge700 cfs
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDOR00373

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 10, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRD

Ownership

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cottonwood Meadows?

Cottonwood Meadows is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cottonwood Meadows?

Cottonwood Meadows is owned by OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cottonwood Meadows built?

Cottonwood Meadows was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Cottonwood Meadows?

Cottonwood Meadows serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cottonwood Meadows?

Cottonwood Meadows has a dam height of 25 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 Cottonwood Meadows last inspected?

Cottonwood Meadows was last inspected on October 10, 2018. 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.