North Fork

Clackamas River· Clackamas, Oregon· Built 1958· Arch· 207 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

North Fork is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 207 ft (taller than 98.3% in OR)
Dam Length676 ft
Dam TypeArch
Normal Storage18.6K acre-ft
Surface Area350 acres
Drainage Area671 sq mi
Max Discharge150,000 cfs
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)
NID IDOR00550

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: September 20, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Portland General Electric Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of North Fork?

North Fork 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 North Fork?

North Fork is owned by Portland General Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was North Fork built?

North Fork was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 North Fork?

North Fork serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is North Fork?

North Fork has a dam height of 207 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 North Fork last inspected?

North Fork was last inspected on September 20, 2022. 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.