Gish Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gish Dam, located in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 23 feet and stretching 700 feet in length, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 198 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 178 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam, which is situated on a tributary to Sahoma Lake, has a controlled spillway with a width of 6 feet and one outlet valve. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, it is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and the potential consequences of failure. However, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and there are no emergency action plans in place. With a drainage area of 0.09 square miles and a maximum discharge of 950 cubic feet per second, Gish Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gish Dam offers a fascinating case study in flood risk reduction and dam management. Its design, construction, and operation provide valuable insights into the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining critical infrastructure for water control. As efforts continue to assess and mitigate risks associated with the dam, stakeholders and regulators must work together to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential water resource facility.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SAHOMA LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

198

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.