Big Cliff Dam Brochure 2152.pdf

Project Data

Detroit Measure Metric Dam Length 1,523.5 ft 464.5 m Height 463 ft 141.1 m Elevation (NGVD*) 1,580 ft 481 m Total kilowatt capacity 100,000 kw

Lake Length 9 mi 14.4 km Area when full 3,500 ac 1,432 ha

Big Cliff Measure Metric Dam Length 280 ft 85.3 m Height 191 ft 58.2 m Elevation (NGVD*) 1,212 ft 369 m Total kilowatt capacity 18,000 kw

Lake Length 2.8 mi 4.5 km

* NGVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum (Mean Sea Level)

For light backgrounds less than 50% gray

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Detroit Lake and Big Cliff Lake, Oregon

Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are located 43 miles southeast of Salem on the North Fork of the Santiam River. They are operated by the Corps of Engineers as part of a system of thirteen multi-purpose dams and reservoirs that make up the Willamette Valley Project.

These dams and reservoirs work together for the purposes of flood damage reduction, hydropower generation, irrigation, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and downstream water quality improvement within the Willamette River drainage system.

Dam Operation and Hydropower Detroit and Big Cliff dams are concrete dams with gated spillways.

They were completed in 1953 at a cost of $62.7 million. Since then, they have prevented more than $615 million in potential flood damages. During the flood season, the dams hold back water to regulate downstream flows. During the summer and fall, the cool, clean water that is slowly released from the dams improves downstream water quality.

Detroit Dam, the principal facility, has two hydropower generating units capable of producing 50,000 kilowatts each. Big Cliff Dam, located three miles downstream, is used to regulate power-generating water releases from Detroit Dam. Re-regulating operations may cause Big Cliff Lake to fluctuate as much as 24 feet daily. Big Cliff Dam has one generator capable of producing 18,000 kilowatts.

Recreation Located in the rugged mountain forests below Mt. Jefferson, Detroit Lake is a popular recreation area for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Forest Service operate numerous boat ramps, campgrounds and day-use areas around the lake. Two privately owned marinas are located near the town of Detroit.

Fish Management To mitigate impacts to salmon and steelhead caused by the dams, the Corps of Engineers built Marion Forks Fish Hatchery and Minto Station egg-collecting facility. These facilities are operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, with funds provided by the Corps and the State of Oregon.

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0 10 20Salem

Corvallis Green Peter

Foster

Albany

Sweet Home

Detroit

Big Cliff

Middle Santiam R.

N. Santiam R.

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TO ENJOY A SAFE OUTING

OBSERVE THESE SAFETY TIPS

BOATING

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD), and observe posted boating speeds at all times.

WATER SKIING

Have two people in the tow boat, one to drive and one to watch the skier. Avoid skiing near swimmers and fishermen. ALWAYS wear a life jacket when skiing and NEVER ski after dusk.

FISHING

Stay clear of boat channels and swimming areas. While trolling, watch the water ahead for boats, swimmers and underwater obstacles.

SWIMMING

Use the buddy system. Swim only in posted swimming areas away from docks and boating areas.

UNDERWATER HAZARDS

Floating logs, submerged stumps and rocks are present in the lake. Be especially watchful for obstructions near the shoreline.

SMALL CRAFT WARNINGS

Dangerous waves can build up suddenly. Stay out of open waters when winds become threatening.

SEAPLANE INSTRUCTIONS

Please exercise caution - heavy boat traffic may be encountered when landing on the lake. Refer to Seaplane Operations at Corps Lakes for specific regulations.

FIRE PREVENTION

The fire potential is generally high during the recreation season. Help prevent forest fires by putting out camp fires completely and disposing of all refuse in trash cans.

Build fires only in designated fire rings.

Under the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, it is illegal to excavate or remove artifacts from federal land. Violators are subject to a fine of not more than $100,000, imprisonment of not more than five years, and forfeiture of all equipment (including vehicles) used in connection with a violation.

Federal rules and regulations concerning the use of areas are set forth in Title 36, Chaper III of the Code of Federal Regulations and are on display in the areas of the project most frequently used by the public.

Docks at Detroit lake

Detroit Dam and Powerhouse

Public Information:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District P.O. Box 2946 Portland, Oregon 97208-2946 http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil Phone: 503-808-4510

MILES

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N

Detroit Dam & Powerhouse Detroit Dam & Powerhouse

Big Cliff Dam & Powerhouse

Detroit Ranger Station

Big Cliff Lake

Detroit Lake

Detroit

Viewpoint

Mongold Day Use Area

Detroit Lake State Park

Marina (boat rentals, tackle, supplies)

Piety Island Campground

Hoover Campground

Upper Arm Day Use

Detroit Flats Day Use

Southshore Campground

To Salem (45 miles)

To Bend

Blowout Rd.

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Breitenbush R.

N. Santiam R.

LEGEND

Detroit Lake Maximum Pool Level 1563.5’ NGVD Big Cliff Lake Maximum Pool Level 1206’ NGVD

Detroit Lake Minimum Pool Level 1425’ NGVD

No Boating

Boat Speed 5 mph Maximum (within 200 ft. of shoreline and log booms)

Danger Area Submerged Stumps

Recreational Facilities

Paved Road

*National Geodetic Vertical Datum (Mean Sea Level)

Cove Creek Camground

Santiam Flats Campground

* Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, 503-854-3366.

** Operated by the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, 503-854-3346.

Detroit Lake Mongold Day Use** Detroit Lake State Park** Upper Arm Day Use* Detroit Flats Day Use* Santiam Flats Campground* Hoover Campground* Piety Island Campground* Cove Creek Campground* Southshore Campground*

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