Middle

BEAR CREEK· Clatsop, Oregon· Built 1940· Earth· 39 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Middle is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 39 ft (taller than 75.8% in OR)
Dam Length410 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage168 acre-ft
Normal Storage168 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge50 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDOR00135

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: August 18, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRD

Ownership

CITY OF ASTORIA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Middle?

Middle 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 Middle?

Middle is owned by CITY OF ASTORIA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Middle built?

Middle was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Middle?

Middle 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 Middle?

Middle has a dam height of 39 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 Middle last inspected?

Middle was last inspected on August 18, 2020. 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.