Seven Oregon dams in ‘unsatisfactory’ condition

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Seven Oregon dams are deemed to be in “unsatisfactory” condition.

State Water Resources Department spokeswoman Diana Enright tells the Statesman Journal (https://is.gd/iQAsl1 ) the designation means those dams are more closely inspected and could be labeled unsafe if repairs are not made.

Questions about dam safety have risen since a damaged one in Northern California led authorities to order the evacuation of nearly 200,000 people.

The list of unsatisfactory dams in Oregon includes:

– Big Creek Reservoir # 1 (Lower) Dam, in Lincoln County.

– Big Creek Reservoir #2 (Upper) Dam in Lincoln County.

– Crowley Dam in Malheur County.

– Willow Creek 3 in Malheur County.

– Ferry Creek Dam in Curry County.

– McMullen Dam in Josephine County.

– Johnson Creek Dam in Crook County.

Oregon has 869 dams listed in a database maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Most are privately owned and used for irrigation.