Carmen Diversion

About Carmen Diversion

The primary purpose of Carmen 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 Eugene Water And Electric Board (public utility). It impounds the Mckenzie River near Mckenzie Bridge.

The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 2,100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 30 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 260 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 114 square miles. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated unsatisfactory, indicating serious safety deficiencies exist that require immediate attention or remedial action. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/21/2022.

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