Heater Dam
Heater Dam is an earth dam located in Marion County, Oregon, built in 1959. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Heater Dam
The primary purpose of Heater Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Jim Heater (private). It impounds the South Branch Valentine Creek near Mehama.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 385 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1959, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 10/21/2020.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Oregon |
| County | Marion |
| Nearest City | Mehama |
| River/Stream | South Branch Valentine Creek |
| Coordinates | 44.80767, -122.68268 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 385 ft |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 32 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 32 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 32 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 25 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | JIM HEATER |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 10/21/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OR01899 |
| Federal ID | OR01899 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |