Harris No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hutchison No.5 Hutchison No.1
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Harris No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Ellis, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Trail.
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Summary
Constructed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Oats Canyon river or stream. With a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, Harris No.1 serves as a crucial infrastructure for mitigating flood hazards in the region.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), Harris No.1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, the dam is deemed to have a very high risk due to its age and other factors. The dam features a controlled spillway, one valve outlet gate, and has not been modified in recent years, with its last inspection conducted in December 2010.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harris No.1 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned flood risk reduction infrastructure in Oklahoma. With its historical significance, design by the USDA NRCS, and state regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a key component in the region's water management and disaster resilience efforts. As concerns over climate change and extreme weather events grow, understanding the maintenance and operation of structures like Harris No.1 is vital for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
215 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
OATS CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Harris No.1