Newt Graham Lock And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newt Graham Lock and Dam, located on the Verdigris River in Oklahoma, serves as a vital infrastructure for navigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1970 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this concrete dam stands at 48 feet in height and spans 7367 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 23,500 acre-feet. The dam includes a controlled spillway, a navigation lock chamber, and is designed to manage a maximum discharge of 155,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the risk of failure is primarily associated with potential spillway gate failures and erosion along the embankment. To manage this risk, the US Army Corps of Engineers conducts regular maintenance, inspections, and emergency exercises with local and state responders. They also update the Emergency Action Plan yearly, monitor the dam's integrity through instrumentation, and periodically dewater the navigation lock chamber for inspection and repairs. Overall, Newt Graham Lock and Dam is a crucial structure for both navigation and flood control in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

7367

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

VERDIGRIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1490

Length Of Locks

600

Hydraulic Height

45

Drainage Area

2034

Nid Storage

23500

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

48
       
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.