Fall Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Fall Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 186 ft (taller than 97.7% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 5,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 125.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 115.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,860 acres |
| Drainage Area | 184 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 82,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00007 |
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 Fall Creek Dam?
Fall Creek 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 Fall Creek Dam?
Fall Creek Dam is owned by USACE - Portland District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fall Creek Dam built?
Fall Creek Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Fall Creek Dam?
Fall Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fall Creek Dam?
Fall Creek Dam has a dam height of 186 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 Fall Creek Dam last inspected?
Fall Creek Dam was last inspected on July 13, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.