Scs-Cowden Laterals Site-004 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

SCS-Cowden Laterals Site-004, located in Mountain View, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This dam, designed for flood risk reduction on Spring Creek, stands at a height of 62 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 1384 acre-feet. With a controlled spillway and one valve outlet gate, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

Despite its age, SCS-Cowden Laterals Site-004 remains a crucial structure for managing flood risks in Washita County. With a surface area of 22 acres and a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. While the dam has not been inspected since 1980, its risk assessment remains at a very high level, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

The location of SCS-Cowden Laterals Site-004 in a high-risk area underscores the need for proactive risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. Given its critical role in protecting the community and surrounding environment, it is essential for the state regulatory agency, OWRB, to prioritize regular inspections and maintenance to uphold the dam's structural integrity and safeguard against the threat of flooding. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the resilience and reliability of structures like SCS-Cowden Laterals Site-004 are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of water management efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

890

Dam Height

62

River Or Stream

SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

58

Nid Storage

1384

Structural Height

62

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

62
       
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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.