Scs-Barnitz Creek Site-049 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

SCS-Barnitz Creek Site-049, located in Custer, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1956, this dam stands at a structural height of 37 feet and a hydraulic height of 31 feet, with a length of 960 feet and a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-West Barnitz Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for SCS-Barnitz Creek Site-049 indicates a very high risk level (1). The condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with the last inspection date recorded in 1980. The dam features a controlled spillway and is equipped with one valve outlet gate. While there have been no modifications or emergency action plans prepared for this site, the dam is subject to regular inspections and state enforcement.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the historical significance and engineering details of SCS-Barnitz Creek Site-049. As a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, the dam's high risk assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding community and environment from potential disasters. Further research and evaluation of this site could provide valuable insights into the intersection of water management, infrastructure resilience, and climate change adaptation strategies.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

960

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR-WEST BARNITZ CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

220

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.