Robert S. Kerr Lock And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Robert S.


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Summary

Kerr Lock and Dam, located on the Arkansas River in Oklahoma, serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and recreation. Completed in 1970 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this gravity dam stands at 75 feet high and spans 7,230 feet in length, with a capacity to hold 525,700 acre-feet of water. Despite its critical role in water resource management, recent inspections have identified deteriorating conditions of the spillway gates, posing a risk to navigation capability and potential downstream impacts in the event of failure.

To manage these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented various measures such as rehabilitating and painting the gates, conducting emergency exercises with local responders, updating the Emergency Action Plan, and maintaining a comprehensive monitoring program. While the dam is not designed to reduce downstream flooding, its failure could still result in significant impacts to communities along the Arkansas River, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management efforts. Through a combination of infrastructure maintenance, emergency preparedness, and continuous monitoring, the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam continues to play a vital role in ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

7230

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

ARKANSAS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

32800

Length Of Locks

600

Hydraulic Height

60

Drainage Area

147756

Nid Storage

525700

Structural Height

75

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

75
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.