Fern Ridge Dam
Key Takeaway
Fern Ridge Dam is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 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 | 46 ft (taller than 82.3% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 6,610 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 121.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 102.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9,360 acres |
| Drainage Area | 275 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 45,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00016 |
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
Metropolitan Sludge Ponds (Lagoon)
Lane, OR
Low Hazard 15 ftFord Farms Reservoir
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Significant Hazard 22 ftSchwartz Reservoir
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Significant Hazard 20 ftSanta Clara
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High Hazard 17 ftCarroll Reservoir
Lane, OR
Low Hazard 25 ftVaughn Log Pond
Lane, OR
Significant Hazard 12 ftForcia and Larsen Log Pond
Lane, OR
Significant Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fern Ridge Dam?
Fern Ridge 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 Fern Ridge Dam?
Fern Ridge Dam is owned by USACE - Portland District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fern Ridge Dam built?
Fern Ridge Dam was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Fern Ridge Dam?
Fern Ridge 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 Fern Ridge Dam?
Fern Ridge Dam has a dam height of 46 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 Fern Ridge Dam last inspected?
Fern Ridge Dam was last inspected on August 14, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.