Lightning Creek Holding Pond C Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Lightning Creek Holding Pond C is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, designed by RGDC to mitigate flood risk along the tributary to Lightning Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 16 feet and spanning 4000 feet in length, was completed in 1977 and has a storage capacity of 187 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a condition assessment deemed fair as of the last inspection in October 2021, Lightning Creek Holding Pond C remains a critical structure for managing water flow in the region. The dam's spillway type is controlled with a width of 4 feet, and it features a valve outlet gate for water release. Despite its fair condition, the risk assessment for this dam is very high (1), highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lightning Creek Holding Pond C represents a key component of the infrastructure that helps protect Oklahoma City from the impacts of flooding. With its significant storage capacity and strategic location along a tributary to Lightning Creek, this earth dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flood damage in the area. As the dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and maintained by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, efforts to enhance its condition and implement risk management measures will be essential to safeguarding the community from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
4000 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO LIGHTNING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.63 |
Nid Storage |
187 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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