Hutchison No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hutchison No.2 Hutchison No.5
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Hutchison No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Ellis, Oklahoma, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1961.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 35 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Horse Canyon river. With a maximum storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area, especially during periods of high discharge.
Despite its low hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, Hutchison No.1 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam features a controlled spillway type with a width of 1 foot and one outlet valve. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With the State of Oklahoma regulating and inspecting the dam, Hutchison No.1 remains a key asset in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Overall, Hutchison No.1 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, with its stone core and soil foundation providing stability. While the dam poses a low hazard potential, its high risk assessment highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. With the support of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state regulatory agencies, Hutchison No.1 continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the surrounding communities and water resources from potential flooding events.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
130 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
HORSE CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Hutchison No.1