Noel Burns Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oknoname 089006 Oknoname 30202
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Noel Burns is a privately owned earth dam located in McCurtain, Oklahoma, built in 1940 for purposes that include flood control and water supply.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 46 feet with a hydraulic height of 44 feet and a length of 750 feet, creating a storage capacity of 242 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and has a low hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating due to its age and condition not being rated.
Despite its age, Noel Burns has been deemed to have a low hazard potential, indicating that it poses minimal risk to downstream communities. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. It has undergone inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2010, and is subject to regular state oversight in terms of permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The risk management measures and emergency action plan for the dam are not fully documented, suggesting a need for further evaluation and preparedness.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the environmental impact and management of dams will find Noel Burns to be a fascinating case study. The dam's location on TR-LUKFATA CREEK in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, highlights the intersection of human infrastructure with natural waterways. Its historical significance as a flood control structure provides valuable insights into the challenges of balancing water resource management with ecological preservation, making it a compelling subject for further research and analysis in the field of water resource engineering and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LUKFATA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
44 |
Nid Storage |
242 |
Structural Height |
46 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River Blw Lukfata Creek
|
177cfs |
Mountain Fork Near Eagletown
|
555cfs |
Glover River Near Glover
|
51cfs |
Red River Near De Kalb
|
792cfs |
Little River Near Horatio
|
608cfs |
Mountain Fork At Smithville
|
10cfs |
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.
Noel Burns