Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-15 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-15, located in Sentinel, 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
The dam stands at 28 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 25 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, leading to a very high risk assessment rating of 1.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-15 is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. The dam's structure consists of stone core and soil foundation, with a length of 675 feet and a surface area of 7 acres. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial infrastructure in the Tulsa District for managing water resources and mitigating potential flooding events in the region.
While the dam's last inspection date was in 2011, with a 3-year inspection frequency, there is a need for updated emergency action plans and risk management measures to address the dam's significant hazard potential. With its location in a high-risk area and a very high risk assessment rating, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-15 are essential to ensure the safety and resilience of the surrounding communities and water resources.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
675 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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-15