Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-27 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-27, located in Beckham County, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1968 for flood risk reduction along the TR-ELK CREEK.
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Summary
With a height of 32 feet and a hydraulic height of 29 feet, this dam serves as a critical structure for managing water flow and protecting communities from potential flooding events. The dam has a storage capacity of 269 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 1750 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-27 is currently in fair condition based on a 2011 assessment. The dam has a controlled spillway and one outlet gate for water release, with a spillway width of 1 foot. With a risk assessment rating of very high (1), it is crucial for the dam owner, the State of Oklahoma, to regularly inspect and maintain the structure to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. Overall, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-27 plays a vital role in water resource management in the region and highlights the importance of proactive dam maintenance and emergency preparedness.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
1040 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
269 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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-27