Snell Gary W. Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Snell Gary W.
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Summary
is a privately owned dam located in Buffalo, Oklahoma, in Harper County. Built in 1940, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 560 feet, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR BUFFALO CR river or stream, serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Despite its low hazard potential, Snell Gary W. poses a very high risk, with a risk assessment rating of 1. The dam features a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate, with regular inspections carried out every five years. The condition of Snell Gary W. is currently not rated, and there are no emergency action plans in place. The surrounding area has a surface area of 4 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1930 cubic feet per second.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Snell Gary W. provides an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Oklahoma that poses a high risk despite its low hazard potential. The dam's historical significance, structural design, and risk assessment present a fascinating opportunity for further research and analysis in the field of water resource management and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR BUFFALO CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cimarron R Near Buttermilk
|
46cfs |
Cimarron River Near Buffalo
|
73cfs |
Bluff Creek Nr Buttermilk
|
41cfs |
North Canadian River At Woodward
|
68cfs |
Crooked C Nr Englewood
|
7cfs |
Beaver River At Beaver
|
0cfs |
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.
Snell Gary W.