Brown No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nuttal No.1 Davison
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Brown No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located on the Canadian River in Ellis County, Oklahoma.
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Summary
Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 28 feet high and serves primarily for flood risk reduction. With a capacity of 50 acre-feet and a normal storage of 25 acre-feet, Brown No.1 plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flood hazards in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential rating, Brown No.1 has been deemed to have a very high risk due to its location and the potential consequences of dam failure. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single outlet valve for water release. While its last inspection was in 2010, the dam is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brown No.1 is an intriguing structure to study in the realm of flood risk management. Its design by the USDA NRCS and state regulation by the OWRB highlight the collaborative efforts involved in safeguarding communities from potential flooding events. With its unique features and critical role in flood risk reduction, Brown No.1 serves as a valuable asset in the water resource infrastructure of Ellis County, Oklahoma.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
399 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
CANADIAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Brown No.1