Scs-Cherokee Sandy Site-09 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-09 is a state-regulated dam located in Garvin, Oklahoma, near the city of Wynnewood.
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Summary
Constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 42 feet tall and spans 2060 feet along the Cherokee Sandy river. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 2357 acre-feet and a controlled spillway to manage maximum discharges of up to 5181 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-09 is considered to have a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment not being rated. The dam has not been inspected since 1980, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. While an Emergency Action Plan is not currently prepared, the state-regulatory agency OWRB oversees the dam's permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure public safety and environmental protection. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the risk and management of SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-09 presents an opportunity to engage with the complex interplay of infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and natural hazard mitigation in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
2060 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
CHEROKEE SANDY |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
48 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Nid Storage |
2357 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Washita River Near Pauls Valley
|
335cfs |
Rock Creek At Sulphur
|
8cfs |
Canadian River At Purcell
|
208cfs |
Walnut Creek At Purcell
|
29cfs |
Little River Near Tecumseh
|
7cfs |
Pennington Creek Near Reagan
|
7cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Scs-Cherokee Sandy Site-09