Denison Dam - Cumberland Levees Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Denison Dam - Cumberland Levees, also known as Lake Texoma, is a Federal-owned structure located in Bryan, Oklahoma.


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Summary

Completed in 1944, this Earth dam stands at a height of 165 feet and spans a length of 17,200 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 5,194,163 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction along the Red River, with a high hazard potential due to overtopping risks during high river flows and potential erosion of the foundation beneath the levee.

Risk management measures implemented by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) include ongoing risk assessments, emergency preparedness exercises, maintenance activities, detailed inspections, and the installation of mitigation features to control water seepage under the levee. Despite repairs made after a levee failure in 2015, the risk of overtopping remains a concern, with potential impacts on the Cumberland Oilfield infrastructure and Oklahoma State Highway 199. USACE continues to monitor and manage the risk associated with the levee, conducting regular assessments and maintaining communication plans to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure and surrounding areas.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

17200

Dam Height

165

River Or Stream

RED RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

86910

Hydraulic Height

161

Drainage Area

39719

Nid Storage

5194163

Structural Height

165

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

165
       
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.