Empire Lake, Lower
Key Takeaway
Empire Lake, Lower is classified as low hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 10 ft (taller than 0.6% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 50 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 192 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 192 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 82 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00405 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF COOS BAY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Empire Lake, Lower?
Empire Lake, Lower 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 Empire Lake, Lower?
Empire Lake, Lower is owned by CITY OF COOS BAY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Empire Lake, Lower built?
Empire Lake, Lower was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Empire Lake, Lower?
Empire Lake, Lower serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Empire Lake, Lower?
Empire Lake, Lower has a dam height of 10 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 Empire Lake, Lower last inspected?
Empire Lake, Lower was last inspected on January 22, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.