Wallowa Lake
Key Takeaway
Wallowa Lake 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 | 39 ft (taller than 75.8% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 190 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 49.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 49.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,530 acres |
| Drainage Area | 53 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,420 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00465 |
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
Wallowa Lake Irrigation District
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake 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 Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake is owned by Wallowa Lake Irrigation District (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wallowa Lake built?
Wallowa Lake 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 Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake 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 Wallowa Lake last inspected?
Wallowa Lake was last inspected on August 25, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.