Scs-Sandy Creek Site-12 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

SCS-Sandy Creek Site-12, located in Vanoss, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1961 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Canadian Sandy Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 40 feet and a length of 2200 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 2581 acre-feet and a surface area of 44 acres. It is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water release.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, this dam poses a very high risk according to a risk assessment. However, its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated" as the last inspection took place in 1980. The dam is in the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality in managing water resources in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the unique features of SCS-Sandy Creek Site-12, such as its stone core and soil foundation. The dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area, although its risk assessment highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards. With its historical significance dating back to 1961, this dam serves as a key infrastructure for managing water resources in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-CANADIAN SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

40

Nid Storage

2581

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.