Snedden Ranch No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Snedden Ranch No 1, located in Craig County, Oklahoma, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1960 for purposes other than flood control or water supply.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a hydraulic height of 10 feet, with a length of 425 feet and a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

The dam, situated on TR-Big Creek, is classified as having a low hazard potential but a very high risk due to its condition not being rated. Despite this, it has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or undergone a risk assessment. The structure features a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and one outlet gate. The last inspection was conducted in December 2010, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. Though the dam has not been modified in recent years, there is a need for updated emergency preparedness measures and risk management strategies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Snedden Ranch No 1 offers a unique case study in dam management and safety. With its location in a high-risk area and lack of recent assessments, there is a pressing need for improved monitoring and emergency planning. The dam's historical significance, being over six decades old, underscores the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. As water resources continue to face challenges from climate change, understanding and addressing the risks associated with structures like Snedden Ranch No 1 is crucial for sustainable water management in the future.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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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.