Kleinfelder - Fern Ridge Dam Review BD

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Fern Ridge Dam Review BD

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Portland, OR

Project Description:

Afflicted with a failing drainage system, the 1.2-mile-long, 45-foot high Fernwood dam between the Long Tom River and the Fern-Ridge Reservoir near Eugene OR is in a pre-emergency state, part of a precautionary process involving the USACE, Congress, Federal, State, and local authorities and emergency response agencies.

The USACE hired a team of nationally-recognized experts, to inspect and evaluate the dam. The team concluded that the dam is in an active state of piping/internal erosion failure. Under continued normal operation, a high to very high probability existed for total reservoir failure within 5 years. The team recommend developing remedial actions, including continued operating restrictions and expedited repair. Pending public approval, the USACE will work with Congress on an accelerated, one-season strategy to repair the dam. Kleinfelder will provide QC during construction.