Crane Prairie

DESCHUTES RIVER· Deschutes, Oregon· Built 1939· Earth· 36 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Crane Prairie is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 36 ft (taller than 72.6% in OR)
Dam Length285 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage68.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage55.3K acre-ft
Surface Area4,940 acres
Drainage Area183 sq mi
Max Discharge800 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDOR00279

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: July 7, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

RECLAMATION

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crane Prairie?

Crane Prairie 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 Crane Prairie?

Crane Prairie is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crane Prairie built?

Crane Prairie was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Crane Prairie?

Crane Prairie 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 Crane Prairie?

Crane Prairie has a dam height of 36 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 Crane Prairie last inspected?

Crane Prairie was last inspected on July 7, 2020. 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.