Sooner Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Sooner is a significant Earth dam located in Ralston, Oklahoma, along the Greasy Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1972 by OG&E, this dam serves as a crucial water resource for the area, with a storage capacity of 350,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 5,400 acres. The dam stands at a height of 100 feet, with a controlled spillway width of 4 feet, and has a maximum discharge capacity of 4,000 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Sooner is classified as having a significant hazard potential, yet its condition assessment remains satisfactory. The dam undergoes inspections every three years, with the most recent inspection conducted in October 2021. Despite its very high risk assessment rating, the dam is equipped with a valve outlet gate and meets regulatory guidelines for emergency action preparedness. Positioned within the Tulsa District, Sooner plays a vital role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sooner represents a crucial infrastructure asset in Pawnee County, Oklahoma, with its primary purpose serving as a key component of the local water supply system. With its strategic location along Greasy Creek and state-regulated status, Sooner stands as a testament to effective water management practices. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the monitoring and maintenance of dams like Sooner are essential in ensuring the safety and security of communities relying on these critical structures for their water needs.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

4500

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

GREASY CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5400

Hydraulic Height

100

Drainage Area

28.6

Nid Storage

350000

Structural Height

100

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

100
       
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.