Lookout Point Dam

MIDDLE FORK-WILLAMETTE RIVER· Lane, Oregon· Built 1953· Earth· 249 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Lookout Point Dam is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 249 ft (taller than 98.8% in OR)
Dam Length3,175 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage477.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage455.8K acre-ft
Surface Area4,360 acres
Drainage Area991 sq mi
Max Discharge270,000 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDOR00009

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 29, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Portland District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lookout Point Dam?

Lookout Point 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 Lookout Point Dam?

Lookout Point Dam is owned by USACE - Portland District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lookout Point Dam built?

Lookout Point Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Lookout Point Dam?

Lookout Point 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 Lookout Point Dam?

Lookout Point Dam has a dam height of 249 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 Lookout Point Dam last inspected?

Lookout Point Dam was last inspected on May 29, 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.