Pensacola East Spillway 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Pensacola East Spillway 2, located in Mayes, Oklahoma, is a state-owned gravity dam constructed in 1940 for hydroelectric purposes on the Neosho River.


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Summary

With a structural height of 48 feet and a spillway width of 370 feet, this controlled spillway boasts tainter (radial) gates to manage water flow. The dam has a hazard potential rating of high and a very high risk assessment, emphasizing the importance of its maintenance and oversight.

Covering a drainage area of 10,192 acres, Pensacola East Spillway 2 has a storage capacity of 2,197,000 acre-feet, making it a crucial asset for flood risk reduction in the region. The dam's normal storage capacity is 1,630,000 acre-feet, and it covers a surface area of 46,500 acres. Although not state-regulated, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plays a significant role in overseeing its operations, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

With its strategic location in Salina, Oklahoma, Pensacola East Spillway 2 stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and energy generation in the area. The dam's history, design features, and risk profile make it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of hydroelectric power and flood control.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

464

Dam Height

12.5

River Or Stream

Neosho

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

46500

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

10192

Nid Storage

2197000

Structural Height

48

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 10

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

48
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.