Faraday Diversion
Faraday Diversion is a gravity dam located in Clackamas County, Oregon, built in 1965. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Faraday Diversion
The primary purpose of Faraday Diversion 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 Portland General Electric Company (private). It impounds the Clackamas River near Estacada, Or.
The dam stands 84 feet tall and stretches 407 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 70 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 671 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 09/20/2022.
At 84 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | Oregon |
| County | Clackamas |
| Nearest City | Estacada, Or |
| River/Stream | Clackamas River |
| Coordinates | 45.25190, -122.29860 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 84 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 407 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 70 acres |
| Drainage Area | 671 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 177,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Portland General Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/20/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OR00551 |
| Federal ID | OR00551 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |