Ridling Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Located in Washita County, Oklahoma, the Ridling dam stands as a testament to flood risk reduction efforts in the area.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this private-owned earth dam has a height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 14 feet, serving its primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Elk Creek. With a storage capacity of 396 acre-feet and a normal storage of 277 acre-feet, Ridling dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential hazards caused by high water levels, earning a low hazard potential rating.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Ridling dam is subject to state regulatory oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its current condition, but its risk assessment categorizes it as having a very high risk level. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, ensuring controlled water release during peak flow periods. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its regular inspection frequency of every 5 years helps to maintain its structural integrity and efficiency in flood risk management.
With the guidance of the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Ridling dam continues to be a vital infrastructure for flood control in the region, supported by its stone core and soil foundation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the dam's operations and risk management measures, the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure like Ridling dam becomes increasingly apparent in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
396 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Ridling