Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-17 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-17, located in Sentinel, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20 feet, with a length of 860 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 151 acre-feet and a normal storage of 40 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Washita County area.
Despite its low hazard potential, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-17 poses a very high risk due to its structural condition being labeled as "Not Rated". The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. While it has not undergone inspection since 1980, the State of Oklahoma enforces regulatory measures and conducts periodic inspections to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts can appreciate the significance of this dam in mitigating flood risks and managing water flow in the TR-Elk Creek watershed.
With its association with the Tulsa District of the USACE and its strategic location in the TR-Elk Creek watershed, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-17 serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Oklahoma. As the state's regulatory agency, OWRB plays a key role in permitting, inspecting, and enforcing regulations related to this dam. Given its historical significance and ongoing importance in flood risk reduction, this dam is a focal point for climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, climate resilience, and water management.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
860 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
151 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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-17