Shell Creek Lake Dam dam
Shell Creek Lake Dam
Located in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Shell Creek Lake Dam is a vital structure that serves the primary purpose of water supply. Built in 1922, this Buttress-type dam stands at a height of 65 feet and has a hydraulic height of the same measurement. With a storage capacity of 12,700 acre-feet and a surface area of 573 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of the region.
The dam, designed by AMBERSON, spans 757 feet in length and is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in November 2021 revealed the need for maintenance and improvement to ensure the safety and efficiency of the structure. With a very high risk assessment rating, efforts are being made to address the dam's shortcomings and implement necessary risk management measures.
Environmental enthusiasts and climate advocates closely monitor Shell Creek Lake Dam's condition and risk profile, recognizing its importance in water resource management. As a critical infrastructure for the local government, the dam's maintenance and upkeep are essential to safeguarding the surrounding communities and preserving the ecological balance of the Shell Creek watershed. With ongoing assessment and risk mitigation measures, stakeholders strive to uphold the dam's integrity and functionality for the benefit of all who depend on its water supply services.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Shell Creek Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas River At Tulsa | 15,400 cfs | → |
| Flat Rock Creek At Cincinnati Ave At Tulsa | 10 cfs | → |
| Joe Creek At 61st St At Tulsa | 11 cfs | → |
| Bird Creek Near Sperry | 570 cfs | → |
| Coal Creek At Tulsa | 13 cfs | → |
| Bird Creek Near Owasso | 1,680 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shell Creek Lake Dam.
Track Shell Creek Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Shell Creek Lake Dam
Where does the data for Shell Creek Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Shell Creek Lake Dam.