Pelton Regulating
Pelton Regulating is a gravity dam located in Jefferson County, Oregon, built in 1958. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pelton Regulating
Pelton Regulating is a dam in Jefferson, Oregon. The dam is owned by Portland General Electric Company (private). It impounds the Deschutes River near Warm Springs, Or.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,067 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 210 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7,636 square miles. Completed in 1958, 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 06/14/2022.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
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.
Location
| State | Oregon |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Warm Springs, Or |
| River/Stream | Deschutes River |
| Coordinates | 44.72410, -121.24780 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,067 ft |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 210 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7,636 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Portland General Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OR00547 |
| Federal ID | OR00547 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |