Steer Canyon Dam

STEER CANYON CREEK· Malheur, Oregon· Built 1954· Gravity·
Low Hazard Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Steer Canyon Dam is classified as low hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length314 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage67 acre-ft
Normal Storage67 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge3,724 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDOR00758

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: September 24, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRD

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Steer Canyon Dam?

Steer Canyon Dam 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 Steer Canyon Dam?

Steer Canyon Dam is owned by DOI BLM (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Steer Canyon Dam built?

Steer Canyon Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Steer Canyon Dam?

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

When was Steer Canyon Dam last inspected?

Steer Canyon Dam was last inspected on September 24, 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.