Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a dam
Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a
SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a, located in Sentinel, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction on a tributary of Elk Creek. Completed in 1948, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 1100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 279 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 740 cubic feet per second. With a spillway type of "Controlled" and one valve outlet gate, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure for managing water resources in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment since its last inspection in 1980. The risk assessment for SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a indicates a very high risk level (1), highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and functionality of this essential flood control structure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed about the status of such key infrastructure to mitigate potential risks and protect the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the management and maintenance of dams like SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a are becoming even more critical. With a designated emergency action plan and regular inspections, this dam plays a vital role in flood risk reduction and water management in Washita County, Oklahoma. By staying engaged and informed about the condition and safety of such structures, water resource and climate enthusiasts can contribute to the resilience of communities and ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Fork Red River Near Carter | 5 cfs | → |
| Washita River Near Foss | 3 cfs | → |
| North Fork Red River Blw Altus Dam Nr Lugert | · | → |
| Washita River Near Clinton | 14 cfs | → |
| Salt Fork Red River At Mangum | · | → |
| Washita River Near Hammon | 3 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a.
Track Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a
Where does the data for Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-03a.