Howard Prairie Dam
Howard Prairie Dam is an earth dam located in Jackson County, Oregon, built in 1958. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Howard Prairie Dam
The primary purpose of Howard Prairie 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 Jenny Creek near Pinehurst.
The dam stands 100 feet tall and stretches 1,040 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,990 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 76,700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 28 square miles. Completed in 1958, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 06/14/2023.
At 100 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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.
Location
| State | Oregon |
| County | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Pinehurst |
| River/Stream | Jenny Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.21670, -122.37690 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 100 ft |
| Dam Height | 100 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,040 ft |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 76,700 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 76,700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 62,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,990 acres |
| Drainage Area | 28 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 06/14/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OR00580 |
| Federal ID | OR00580 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |