Opal Springs
Opal Springs is a rockfill dam located in Jefferson County, Oregon, built in 1985. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Opal Springs
The primary purpose of Opal Springs 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 Desschutes Valley Water District (local government). It impounds the Crooked River.
The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 177 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,800 square miles. Completed in 1985, the structure is 41 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 09/24/2018.
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Location
| State | Oregon |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Crooked River |
| Coordinates | 44.48620, -121.29830 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 177 ft |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 119 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 119 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 41 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,800 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Desschutes Valley Water District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/24/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OR02591 |
| Federal ID | OR02591 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |