Hugo Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Hugo Dam, also known as Hugo Lake, is a federal-owned gravity dam located in Choctaw, Oklahoma, on the Kiamichi River.


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Summary

Completed in 1974 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits including recreation and water supply. The dam stands at a height of 101 feet and has a volume of 2,655,000 cubic yards, providing a maximum storage capacity of 1,274,107 acre-feet.

A risk assessment conducted in 2016 classified the hazard potential of Hugo Dam as high, primarily due to the potential for water seepage leading to embankment erosion and breach. In the event of a dam failure, downstream areas including the cities of Sawyer, OK, Fulton, AR, and Garland City, AR could experience significant flooding and economic impacts. To manage this risk, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements various measures such as emergency exercises, routine updates to the Emergency Action Plan, and regular inspections to ensure the dam's integrity.

The risk management efforts also include a detailed communication plan, continuous operations and maintenance activities, and a robust monitoring system to evaluate changing conditions. Despite the potential hazards associated with the dam, ongoing mitigation strategies aim to enhance emergency response capabilities and maintain the structural integrity of Hugo Dam to safeguard against potential risks and protect surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

10200

Dam Height

101

River Or Stream

KIAMICHI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

13144

Hydraulic Height

94

Drainage Area

1434

Nid Storage

1274107

Structural Height

101

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

101
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.