Dorena Dam
Key Takeaway
Dorena Dam is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 | 135 ft (taller than 96.6% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 3,302 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 131.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 77.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,884 acres |
| Drainage Area | 265 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 97,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00008 |
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 Dorena Dam?
Dorena 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 Dorena Dam?
Dorena Dam is owned by USACE - Portland District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dorena Dam built?
Dorena Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Dorena Dam?
Dorena 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 Dorena Dam?
Dorena Dam has a dam height of 135 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 Dorena Dam last inspected?
Dorena Dam was last inspected on June 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.