Blue Stem Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Blue Stem is a privately owned earth dam located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.


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Summary

Completed in 1925, this dam on Spring Creek serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 10 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Standing at a height of 23 feet and with a storage capacity of 355 acre-feet, Blue Stem provides a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.

Managed and regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Blue Stem has a high hazard potential due to its location and design. However, recent inspections have deemed the dam's condition as satisfactory, with regular maintenance and oversight in place to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With a controlled spillway and one outlet gate, the dam is equipped to handle up to 5700 cubic feet per second of maximum discharge, making it a vital piece of infrastructure for flood control in the area.

Despite its age, Blue Stem continues to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful retreat for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. With its rich history and scenic surroundings, this dam on Spring Creek remains a cherished landmark in the Tulsa District, showcasing the enduring importance of water resources and climate management in sustaining our communities.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

355

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.