Thief Valley
Key Takeaway
Thief Valley is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 66 ft (taller than 90.3% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 390 ft |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 20.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 807 acres |
| Drainage Area | 914 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 34,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00592 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Thief Valley?
Thief Valley 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 Thief Valley?
Thief Valley is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Thief Valley built?
Thief Valley was completed in 1931, making it 95 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 Thief Valley?
Thief Valley 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 Thief Valley?
Thief Valley has a dam height of 66 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 Thief Valley last inspected?
Thief Valley was last inspected on September 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.