NEWS

Dam flunks state inspection, threatens 40 Salem homes

Michael Rose
Statesman Journal

A state inspection has concluded that the Lower Cinnamon Lakes Dam, a little-known earthen dam in South Salem, is in "unsatisfactory condition" and presents a risk to approximately 40 homes.

"The dam is not in jeopardy of imminent failure, but immediate action must be taken to bring it into compliance with safety standards," according to a letter sent to 376 Salem residents by the Oregon Department of Water Resources and the City of Salem on Monday, April 28.

The privately owned dam, which holds back 4.1 million gallons of water, is adjacent to Rees Hill Road SE and the junction of Fairway Avene SE. Mike Gotterba, a spokesman for the city of Salem, said a dam breach could potentially flood about 35 acres north of Rees Hills Road SE.

The Lower Cinnamon Lakes Dam, which is behind a series of three smaller dams, was used for a fish farming operation in the 1960s. The lake is now landscaping for an condominium development, an apartment building and a mobile home park.

Ownership of the Lower Cinnamon Lakes Dam is split between the Cinnamon Lakes Condominium Association and the Rice family, which owns the mobile home park, state officials said.

"We will do whatever it takes to make it safe for our neighbors," said Dennie Brooks, a board member of the Cinnamon Lakes Condominium Association. The association wants the state and city to explore a comprehensive solution for flood mitigation in the area, she said.

"To look at this one dam, isn't the answer," Brooks said.

Racquel Rancier, senior policy coordinator with the Oregon Water Resources Department, said the agency wants the dam's owners to take corrective actions before the fall rains arrive.

One problem with the dam: it's difficult to gradually release water. Trees growing on the dam also could weaken its structure, particularly if a windstorm uprooted the vegetation.

Some of the possible fixes include modifying the dam with an overflow spillway, lowering the water level behind the dam, or draining the lake and creating a wetland, Rancier said.

The dam was once considered exempt from state inspection because of its small size. City of Salem officials were initially contacted by the dam's owners in 2012, who were seeking advice on how to prevent debris from clogging the flow of water in the dam system.

Engineers with the Oregon Water Resources Department were later summoned by the city to evaluate the dam. By February 2014, it was determined that the dam met the threshold for state inspection.

If the dam failed, about 40 homes would likely be inundated but neighbors spared from flooding would still face difficulties. Floodwaters would close Rees Hill Road SE and Fairway Ave. SE, which would cut-off road access to a 40-acre area, city officials said.

mrose@StatesmanJournal .com (503) 399-6657 or follow on Twitter @mrose_sj

What's next

An open house to inform Salem residents about the status of Cinnamon Lakes Dam is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., May 6, at the South Salem Senior Center, 6450 Fairway Ave. SE.