Link River Diversion Dam

Link River Diversion Dam is a concrete dam located in Klamath County, Oregon, built in 1921. It carries a High hazard potential classification.

About Link River Diversion Dam

The primary purpose of Link River Diversion Dam 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 Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Klamath River, Link River near Klamath Falls.

The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 435 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 85,000 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 735,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,800 square miles. Completed in 1921, the structure is over a century 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/08/2022.

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 HazardNot Available ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateOregon
CountyKlamath
Nearest CityKlamath Falls
River/StreamKlamath River, Link River
Coordinates42.23390, -121.80190

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeConcrete
NID Height22 ft
Dam Height22 ft
Dam Length435 ft
Year Completed1921 (105 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage735,000 acre-ft
Max Storage735,000 acre-ft
Normal Storage735,000 acre-ft
Surface Area85,000 acres
Drainage Area3,800 sq mi
Max Discharge12,500 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerBUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Owner TypeFederal
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentNot Available
Last Inspection04/08/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDOR00557
Federal IDOR00557
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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