Crescent Lake

CRECENT LAKE· Klamath, Oregon· Built 1956· Earth· 38 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Crescent Lake is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 38 ft (taller than 74.5% in OR)
Dam Length1,250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage119.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage86.1K acre-ft
Surface Area4,008 acres
Drainage Area61 sq mi
Max Discharge1,500 cfs
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDOR00381

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: October 21, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRD

Ownership

TUMALO IRRIGATION DISTRICT

Local Government

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake 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 Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake is owned by TUMALO IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crescent Lake built?

Crescent Lake was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Crescent Lake?

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

How tall is Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake has a dam height of 38 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 Crescent Lake last inspected?

Crescent Lake was last inspected on October 21, 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.