Scs-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-23 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Situated in Jackson, Oklahoma, the SCS-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-23 is a state-regulated dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet, providing a storage capacity of 275 acre-feet. The dam spans 2340 feet along the TR-Cottonwood Creek, serving as a crucial structure in managing water resources and mitigating flooding risks in the region.

Owned by the state and regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), the SCS-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-23 has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not rated condition assessment status. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular inspections with the last one dating back to May 1988. With a controlled spillway and one valve outlet gate, this dam plays a vital role in flood control and water management in the area, showcasing the collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources amidst a changing climate.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the SCS-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-23 represents a significant infrastructure project that highlights the importance of effective dam management and maintenance. With a very high risk assessment rating and a history of successful flood risk reduction, this earth dam serves as a testament to the critical role that state and federal agencies play in safeguarding water resources and building resilience to climate-related challenges. As discussions around water security and climate adaptation continue to gain traction, the SCS-Tri-County Turkey Creek Site-23 stands out as a model for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

2340

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

275

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.