Cougar Dam
Key Takeaway
Cougar Dam is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 | 473 ft (taller than 99.9% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 1,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 220.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 208.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,280 acres |
| Drainage Area | 208 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 76,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00015 |
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
USACE - Portland District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cougar Dam?
Cougar 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 Cougar Dam?
Cougar Dam is owned by USACE - Portland District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cougar Dam built?
Cougar Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Cougar Dam?
Cougar Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation, Navigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cougar Dam?
Cougar Dam has a dam height of 473 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 Cougar Dam last inspected?
Cougar Dam was last inspected on May 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.