Talawanda No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Talawanda No.


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Summary

1 is a historic dam in Pittsburg, Oklahoma, built in 1902 for the primary purpose of water supply. This stone dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 700 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1578 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-COAL CR river, this dam has been under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement for its operations.

Despite being rated as having low hazard potential, Talawanda No. 1 poses a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment being not rated. With a controlled spillway and only one outlet valve, emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps have not been prepared or updated. The dam's risk management measures remain unspecified, leaving room for improvement in mitigating potential risks and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community in Shady Grove.

Overall, Talawanda No. 1 serves as a vital water supply infrastructure in Oklahoma, but its risk assessment and management could benefit from further attention and updates to enhance its resilience and safety in the face of changing climate conditions. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in the historical significance and potential vulnerabilities of this dam, highlighting the importance of proactive risk assessment and emergency preparedness for critical infrastructure like Talawanda No. 1.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR-COAL CR

Surface Area

91

Hydraulic Height

38

Nid Storage

1578

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.