Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam

INDIAN SPRINGS CREEK· Harney, Oregon· Built 1913· Gravity·
Low Hazard Irrigation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam is classified as low hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Length937 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage80 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge66 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDOR00030

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 25, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRD

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam?

Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam?

Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam is owned by DOI BLM (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam built?

Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam?

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

When was Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Desert Meadows Reservoir Dam was last inspected on September 25, 2019. 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.