Rock Creek Dam

Rock Creek Dam is a gravity dam located in Malheur County, Oregon, built in 1939. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Rock Creek Dam

The primary purpose of Rock Creek Dam is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Doi Blm (federal). It impounds the Rock Creek near Hwy 95.

The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 440 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 310 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 28 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/03/2020.

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 HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateOregon
CountyMalheur
Nearest CityHwy 95
River/StreamRock Creek
Coordinates42.88582, -117.37179

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height17 ft
Dam Length440 ft
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,600 acre-ft
Max Storage3,600 acre-ft
Normal Storage834 acre-ft
Surface Area310 acres
Drainage Area28 sq mi
Max Discharge690 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFish and Wildlife Pond
OwnerDOI BLM
Owner TypeFederal
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection04/03/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDOR00623
Federal IDOR00623
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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