Summary
With a height of 20 feet and a length of 1700 feet, it serves the primary purpose of water supply. Completed in 1960, the dam has a storage capacity of 3600 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 254 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, New Spiro is considered to have a very high risk due to its condition assessment being not rated. The dam is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a controlled spillway type and one outlet gate, the dam is designed to withstand potential risks, but further risk management measures may need to be implemented to ensure its long-term safety and resilience.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find New Spiro to be a fascinating case study of dam infrastructure in Oklahoma. Its historical significance, structural design, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for managing water supply infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1700 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
HOLI-TUSKA CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
254 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
3600 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Poteau River Near Panama
|
483cfs |
James Fork Near Hackett
|
32cfs |
Arkansas River At Ft. Smith
|
21700cfs |
Poteau River At Loving
|
113cfs |
Lee Creek Near Short
|
97cfs |
Poteau River At Cauthron
|
111cfs |
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.
New Spiro