Willamette Falls
Willamette Falls is a gravity dam located in Clackamas County, Oregon, built in 1923. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Willamette Falls
The primary purpose of Willamette Falls 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 Portland General Electric Company (private). It impounds the Willamette River near Oregon City, Or.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 2,950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,532 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 17,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 10,000 square miles. Completed in 1923, the structure is over a century 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. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/22/2022.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Oregon |
| County | Clackamas |
| Nearest City | Oregon City, Or |
| River/Stream | Willamette River |
| Coordinates | 45.35160, -122.61694 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,950 ft |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 17,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 17,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,532 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10,000 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 400,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Portland General Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/22/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OR00596 |
| Federal ID | OR00596 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |