Hulah Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Hulah Dam, also known as Hulah Lake, is a gravity dam located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on the Caney River.


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Summary

Completed in 1951 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction and water supply purposes. With a height of 94 feet and a length of 5200 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 289,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 3570 acres.

A risk assessment conducted in 2013 classified Hulah Dam's hazard potential as high, primarily due to the risk of water seeping through the embankment or foundation soils, potentially leading to erosion and failure. In the event of a dam failure, catastrophic flooding downstream could result in significant economic impacts and loss of life for communities along the Arkansas River. To manage this risk, the USACE conducts regular emergency exercises, updates the Emergency Action Plan yearly, and maintains a detailed communication plan for the dam. The dam undergoes continuous operations and maintenance activities, detailed inspections, and has a robust instrumentation and monitoring program to ensure its integrity.

Overall, Hulah Dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the region, but it also poses potential hazards that require careful management. Through proactive risk management measures and regular monitoring, the US Army Corps of Engineers ensures the safety and integrity of the dam to protect downstream communities from potential flooding events. The dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and highlights the importance of proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies in ensuring the safety of water resources and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

5200

Dam Height

94

River Or Stream

CANEY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

3570

Hydraulic Height

86

Drainage Area

732

Nid Storage

289000

Structural Height

94

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

94
       
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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.