Walterville Storage Pond

Walterville Storage Pond is an earth dam located in Lane County, Oregon, built in 1951. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Walterville Storage Pond

The primary purpose of Walterville Storage Pond is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Eugene Water And Electric Board (public utility). It impounds the Mckenzie River near Walterville.

The dam stands 10 feet tall and stretches 3,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 65 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 345 acre-feet. Completed in 1951, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/14/2025.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Oregon dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateOregon
CountyLane
Nearest CityWalterville
River/StreamMckenzie River
Coordinates44.06898, -122.81518

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height10 ft
Dam Height10 ft
Dam Length3,000 ft
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage345 acre-ft
Max Storage345 acre-ft
Normal Storage345 acre-ft
Surface Area65 acres
Max Discharge1,400 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerEugene Water and Electric Board
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection08/14/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDOR00267
Federal IDOR00267
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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