Scs-Cavalry Creek Site-19 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

SCS-Cavalry Creek Site-19, located in Cloud Chief, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1959 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along TR-Cavalry Creek.


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Summary

This 29-foot tall structure has a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres. With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge of 715 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with a single valve outlet gate for water management.

Despite its low hazard potential, SCS-Cavalry Creek Site-19 is classified as having a very high risk due to its location and design characteristics. The dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment and was last inspected in 1980, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not currently in place, the dam remains under state jurisdiction and enforcement by the OWRB, ensuring continued safety and regulation for the surrounding community and water resources.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, SCS-Cavalry Creek Site-19 presents an intriguing case study of a historic earth dam in Oklahoma that continues to serve its purpose in mitigating flood risks along Cavalry Creek. The dam's design, construction, and regulatory history offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of managing water infrastructure in a changing climate. As discussions around climate resilience and infrastructure investments grow, SCS-Cavalry Creek Site-19 stands as a testament to the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring for the safety and sustainability of our water resources.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-CAVALRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

116

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.