Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-38 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 8, 2026
SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-38, located in Sentinel, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction on TR-ELK CREEK.
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Summary
Completed in 1976, this 29-foot-high structure boasts a storage capacity of 171 acre-feet and a spillway width of 1 foot. With a controlled spillway type and a low hazard potential, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the region.
Despite its age, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-38 has not been rated for condition assessment since its last inspection in 1980. The dam's associated structures include a single valve outlet gate, and it is under the jurisdiction of the OWRB in Washita County, Oklahoma. With a very high risk assessment rating of 1, it is crucial for the state regulatory agency to ensure that the necessary inspections, enforcement, and emergency preparedness measures are in place to mitigate potential risks to the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-38 presents an opportunity to study the engineering and maintenance challenges of aging flood control infrastructure. As a part of the Tulsa District, this dam serves as a critical component of the region's water management system, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management and compliance with state regulations to protect lives and property in the event of a flood emergency.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
2370 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
171 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-38