Scs-Sandy Creek Site-16 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
SCS-Sandy Creek Site-16 is a state-owned earth dam located in VANOSS, Oklahoma, along the BURKHART CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 1650 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1445 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial infrastructure to protect the surrounding Pontotoc County from potential inundation.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, SCS-Sandy Creek Site-16 has a controlled spillway and a single outlet valve for water release. Despite being rated as low hazard potential and not yet conditionally assessed, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its critical role in flood control. While it has not been inspected since 1980, the dam is under state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its operational efficiency and safety for the community.
In the event of an emergency, the dam does not yet have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential disasters. However, with its significant flood risk reduction capabilities and the state regulatory oversight in place, SCS-Sandy Creek Site-16 remains a vital asset in safeguarding the area against flooding and ensuring water resource management for the future.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
1650 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
BURKHART CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
1445 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
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-Sandy Creek Site-16