Scs-Cherokee Sandy Site-01 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-01, located in Garvin, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam primarily designed for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Constructed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 495 acre-feet and a normal storage of 51 acre-feet, the dam spans 1510 feet in length and covers a surface area of 14 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is classified as very high, emphasizing the importance of its maintenance and monitoring.
The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and an outlet gate consisting of a single valve. Although the condition assessment is listed as not rated, the dam has an inspection frequency of 5 years, with the last inspection dating back to January 1980. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the OWRB and complies with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. Supported by the Tulsa District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-01 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control in the region.
Despite its age and limited information on certain aspects such as risk management and emergency preparedness, SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-01 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks along the TR-Cherokee Sandy Creek. With State ownership and regulation, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are essential for ensuring the safety of nearby communities and the preservation of water resources in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the significance of well-maintained dams like SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-01 becomes increasingly evident for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1510 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEROKEE SANDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
495 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Washita River Near Pauls Valley
|
335cfs |
Rock Creek At Sulphur
|
8cfs |
Walnut Creek At Purcell
|
29cfs |
Canadian River At Purcell
|
201cfs |
North Criner Creek Near Criner
|
1cfs |
Little River Near Tecumseh
|
4cfs |
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-01