Scs-Bitter Creek Site-09 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

SCS-Bitter Creek Site-09, located in Grady County, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1974.


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Summary

This flood risk reduction structure spans 820 feet in length and stands at a height of 37 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 186 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR-W. Bitter Creek, serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and is under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

Despite its low hazard potential, SCS-Bitter Creek Site-09 is deemed to have a very high risk due to its condition assessment not being rated and having not been inspected since 1980. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and an outlet gate consisting of a single valve. While the emergency action plan status and risk management measures for the site remain unspecified, the structure's risk assessment indicates a need for further evaluation and potential mitigation strategies to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics and historical significance of SCS-Bitter Creek Site-09 offer a compelling case study for examining the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and regulatory oversight in managing water resources. The site's location within the Tulsa District and its association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the collaborative efforts involved in maintaining and monitoring critical dam infrastructure for flood control and water management purposes in Oklahoma.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

820

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR-W. BITTER CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

186

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.