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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
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32cfs |
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6cfs |
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16cfs |
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21cfs |
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|
4cfs |
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7cfs |