Diel Wilma J & Elizabeth Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Diel Wilma J & Elizabeth is a privately owned earth dam located in Harper County, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Freedom.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 26 feet tall and spans a length of 585 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Buffalo Creek, this structure serves a variety of purposes beyond traditional flood control, making it a crucial asset for water resource management in the region.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Diel Wilma J & Elizabeth is considered to have a very high risk due to factors such as its age and condition assessment being unrated. The dam boasts a controlled spillway type with a width of 1 foot and a single valve outlet gate for water release. The surrounding area supports a surface area of 7 acres and a normal storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, making it a vital component of the local water infrastructure system.

With the dam being regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and undergoing regular inspections every five years, stakeholders can rest assured that Diel Wilma J & Elizabeth is being monitored and maintained to meet the highest safety standards. This structure represents a vital piece of the water resource management puzzle in Harper County, Oklahoma, and serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

585

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

310

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.