Yardbrough Billy Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Yardbrough Billy is a privately owned dam located in Pontotoc, Oklahoma, along the TR-Muddy Buggy Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this Earth-type dam stands at 18 feet tall with a length of 610 feet, providing a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and undergoes regular inspections, with a low hazard potential but a very high risk assessment score of 1.

Although Yardbrough Billy serves a primary purpose of "Other", it is designed to withstand maximum discharges of up to 1600 cubic feet per second through its controlled spillway. The dam is equipped with a single valve outlet gate and is surrounded by stone core and soil foundation. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not readily available. With its strategic location and critical role in managing water resources in the area, Yardbrough Billy presents an important case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

610

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-MUDDY BOGGY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

110

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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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.