Pilcher Creek
Pilcher Creek is an earth dam located in Union County, Oregon, built in 1984. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pilcher Creek
The primary purpose of Pilcher Creek is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Powder Valley Water Control District (local government). It impounds the Anthony And Pilcher Creeks near No Downstream Settlement.
The dam stands 110 feet tall and stretches 2,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 221 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,910 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 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. 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 08/24/2020.
At 110 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 | Union |
| Nearest City | No Downstream Settlement |
| River/Stream | Anthony And Pilcher Creeks |
| Coordinates | 45.03906, -118.07067 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,910 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,910 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,910 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 221 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 514 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | POWDER VALLEY WATER CONTROL DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/24/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OR00688 |
| Federal ID | OR00688 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |