This Oregon Dam Has A “Glory Hole” and We Are Fascinated By It

Have You Explored The “Morning Glory Hole” On The Border Of Oregon And Idaho?

If you are from Oregon and Idaho you might already know about this little “chuckle”. I saw this and had to tell you about it.

A Sight To Behold Is The Glory Hole Spillway At The Owyhee Dam In Oregon

I’ve never been there but I saw some photos on Facebook and I chuckled when they referred to this spillway as “The Glory Hole” – the 12-year-old brain kicked in and I was back in junior high.

So have you ever heard of a spillway that resembles a giant sink drain?

Welcome to the Owyhee Dam and its unique feature known as “The Morning Glory Hole.”

This engineering marvel is not only fascinating but also serves an important purpose in managing excess water flow.

The Owyhee Dam, located on the Owyhee River in Oregon, was completed in 1932 during the Great Depression. Standing at 417 feet tall, the dam plays a crucial role in storing water for irrigation and flood control.

However, what sets this dam apart is its innovative spillway design – The Morning Glory Ring.

This unique feature consists of a 60-foot diameter tunnel that acts as a drain for excess water during periods of high flow.

The Glory Hole spillway operates similarly to how a sink drain works in your home. When water levels rise above normal capacity, the excess water is diverted into the tunnel, where it is released downstream through an outlet at the base of the dam.

This design helps prevent flooding and ensures that water levels remain manageable even during heavy rain events or snowmelt.

One of the most striking aspects of The Glory Hole spillway is its visual appeal. From above, it appears like a perfect circle carved into the dam’s structure, resembling a mysterious portal leading to another world.

Visitors often marvel at this sight and are fascinated by both its functionality and beauty. Whether you’re an engineering enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates natural wonders, The

The Glory Hole is sure to leave you in awe.

Despite its impressive appearance, The Glory Hole spillway is not just for show – it serves a vital purpose in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the Owyhee Dam.

By providing an additional outlet for excess water, it helps protect downstream areas from potential flooding while also maintaining optimal storage levels within the reservoir.

Have you been there? have you seen this “glory hole”? Let me know in the comments below.