Prison Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Prison is a state-regulated dam located in Pittsburg, Oklahoma, with a primary purpose classified as "Other".


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Summary

Completed in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a hydraulic height of 24 feet, with a length of 3000 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 435 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 508 acre-feet, with a surface area of 55 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-SANDY CR river or stream, within the Tulsa District of Oklahoma.

The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Prison is categorized as "Very High (1)". The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in May 2011. It is important to note that the dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, and the state regulatory agency overseeing its operation is the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB).

With its unique design features and risk assessment indicating a high level of potential hazard, Prison serves as a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's location in the scenic CHRISTIAN HILL CEM area of Pittsburg, Oklahoma, coupled with its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, makes it a noteworthy structure to study and monitor. As a state-regulated dam, it plays a crucial role in water management and flood control efforts within the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and assessing its condition for long-term sustainability.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

3000

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-SANDY CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

508

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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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.