Orchards Block 96 Reservoir Dam

About Orchards Block 96 Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Orchards Block 96 Reservoir Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Firstfruits (private). It impounds the Snake River.

The dam stands 32 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 2001, the structure is relatively new.

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 10/17/2018. That was 7 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.

At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.

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 Washington dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

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