Willow Creek 3 (Malheur)
Key Takeaway
Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) is classified as high hazard in Oregon. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 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 | 110 ft (taller than 94.6% in OR) |
| Dam Length | 660 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 49.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 480 acres |
| Drainage Area | 275 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1944 (82 years old) |
| NID ID | OR00390 |
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
Orchards Water Co
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Willow Creek 3 (Malheur)?
Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) 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 Willow Creek 3 (Malheur)?
Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) is owned by Orchards Water Co (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) built?
Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) was completed in 1944, making it 82 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 Willow Creek 3 (Malheur)?
Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) 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 Willow Creek 3 (Malheur)?
Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) has a dam height of 110 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 Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) last inspected?
Willow Creek 3 (Malheur) was last inspected on October 1, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.