Lightning Creek Holding Pond A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Lightning Creek Holding Pond A is a vital water resource structure located in Oklahoma City, serving the purpose of flood risk reduction along the Lightning Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1977 by RGDC, this earth dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 6000 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 541 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is controlled, with a width of 5 feet, ensuring effective water management during high discharge events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Lightning Creek Holding Pond A has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in October 2021. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2018, and it meets guidelines for risk assessment, with a very high risk rating of 1. Despite the high risk potential, the structure remains a critical asset for flood control in the area, with a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 270 acre-feet.

Overall, Lightning Creek Holding Pond A plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in Cleveland County, Oklahoma. With its strategic location and design features, including a stone core and soil foundation, the dam stands as a testament to effective water infrastructure management and serves as a key component of the region's resilience against water-related disasters.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

6000

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

LIGHTNING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

541

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.