Cowden Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oknoname 111058 Oknoname 111059
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cowden is a privately owned earth dam located in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Lenna.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, the dam stands at 34 feet tall and has a length of 1200 feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along TR-Clear Creek. It has a normal storage capacity of 45 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 141 acre-feet, serving as a crucial structure in mitigating the risk of flooding in the area.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Cowden is regularly inspected and regulated to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, it is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and the potential consequences of failure. The surrounding area is at risk of inundation in the event of a breach, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures and emergency preparedness.
In light of its significant flood risk reduction capabilities and the potential impact of its failure, Cowden serves as a vital structure in the efforts to protect the local community and environment from the devastating effects of flooding. Its maintenance and regulation by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, along with proper risk assessment and management measures, are essential in ensuring the continued safety and functionality of this important water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Nid Storage |
141 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Deep Fork Near Beggs
|
141cfs |
North Canadian River Near Wetumka
|
209cfs |
Arkansas River Near Haskell
|
4870cfs |
Canadian River Near Whitefield
|
1190cfs |
Canadian River At Calvin
|
361cfs |
Arkansas River Near Muskogee
|
12600cfs |
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.
Cowden