Scs-Salt Creek Site-40 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
SCS-Salt Creek Site-40, located in Pottawatomie, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam constructed by the USDA NRCS in 1969 for flood risk reduction purposes along the TR-BRUNO CREEK.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 33 feet with a length of 850 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 463 acre-feet and a spillway type of Controlled. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, it is categorized as having a very high risk assessment due to its age and lack of recent inspections.
Owned and operated by the state of Oklahoma, this dam is in need of further assessment and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the area. With a historical inspection date of 1980 and a current condition assessment of 'Not Rated', there is a need for more frequent inspections and potential upgrades to meet modern safety standards. The presence of only one valve outlet gate and the lack of recent Emergency Action Plans raise concerns about the dam's ability to respond to potential emergencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, SCS-Salt Creek Site-40 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure like dams to protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. The involvement of the USDA NRCS in its design and the state's regulatory oversight through the OWRB highlight the collaborative efforts necessary to ensure the safety and functionality of such structures. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water management, investing in the upkeep and modernization of dams like SCS-Salt Creek Site-40 is vital for safeguarding against future flood risks and ensuring the resilience of water resources in Oklahoma.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BRUNO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Nid Storage |
463 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Scs-Salt Creek Site-40