Parsnip Creek Reservoir

PARSNIP CREEK· Malheur, Oregon· Built 1960· Earth· 25 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Parsnip Creek Reservoir is classified as low hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 43.9% in OR)
Dam Length264 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage181 acre-ft
Normal Storage181 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge2,000 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDOR00338

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 12, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRD

Ownership

JACA BROTHERS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Parsnip Creek Reservoir?

Parsnip Creek Reservoir is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Parsnip Creek Reservoir?

Parsnip Creek Reservoir is owned by JACA BROTHERS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Parsnip Creek Reservoir built?

Parsnip Creek Reservoir was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Parsnip Creek Reservoir?

Parsnip Creek Reservoir serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Parsnip Creek Reservoir?

Parsnip Creek Reservoir has a dam height of 25 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 Parsnip Creek Reservoir last inspected?

Parsnip Creek Reservoir was last inspected on November 12, 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.