Scs-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-03 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

SCS-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-03, located in Duke, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1967 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Turkey Creek.


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Summary

With a dam height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet, this structure has a storage capacity of 328 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 147 acre-feet. The dam spans 1580 feet in length and has a controlled spillway width of 1 foot, with a maximum discharge capability of 2060 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not currently rated for condition assessment, this dam presents a very high risk level according to the data available. The last inspection took place in 1988, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. The dam is equipped with one valve outlet gate, and there are no associated locks or lock structures. While the emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find SCS-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-03 an intriguing case study for its historical significance in flood risk reduction and its potential for further risk management and assessment. The location in Harmon County, Oklahoma, and its association with the USDA NRCS and state regulatory agencies add layers of complexity and interest to the dam's design, operation, and maintenance. As a critical infrastructure for water management in the region, understanding the dynamics of this earth dam and its impact on the surrounding environment is essential for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1580

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

328

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.