US Army Corps of Engineers ®

Fern Ridge Dam and Reservoir

The Fern Ridge Dam is one of 13 multi-purpose dams operated by the Corps of Engineers in the Willamette Valley.  The dam provides flood control, irrigation, recreation, navigation, and improved downstream water quality.

From May through September, the pool level at Fern Ridge Lake is kept as high as possible for recreation enjoyment as well as wetland wildlife habitat stability. The lake level usually drops 2 to 3 feet during the summer due to irrigation needs downstream. During the winter, the level is lowered to provide storage capacity for flood damage reduction. The project prevents potentially disastrous flooding by controlling the downstream flow of water during the rainy season.

Extensive wetlands provide unique habitats for a variety of wildlife at Fern Ridge. Land and water throughout the project is managed by the Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop and maintain suitable habitat for many species of waterfowl, upland game and non-game wildlife.

Since Fern Ridge Lake is just 12 miles from downtown Eugene, it is a popular recreation area for sailing, powerboating and waterskiing.  For more information about recreation opportunities, go the Fern Ridge Lake Recreation page. 

To learn about water management as it relates to Fern Ridge Lake, download the Willamette Valley Project Overview slide presentation.

Project Data

Fern Ridge Dam is an earthfill structure with a gated concrete spillway.  It was completed in 1941 at a cost of $6 million.

*National Geodetic Vertical Datum (Mean Sea Level)