Swain J.L. Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cedar Cove Lake Lattawanna
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Swain J.L.
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Summary
is a privately-owned dam located in Logan County, Oklahoma, near the city of Guthrie. Built in 1965, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam spans 480 feet in length and has a structural height of 20 feet, creating a surface area of 11 acres for recreational activities. Despite its low hazard potential, Swain J.L. is classified as having a very high risk due to its location on the TR-Cimarron River.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), Swain J.L. is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, with a spillway width of 1 foot. Although it has not been rated for its condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Additionally, Swain J.L. falls under the jurisdiction of the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, further emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and risk management measures.
With a congressman representation by Frank D. Lucas (R) and a close proximity of 10 miles to the Cimarron River, Swain J.L. provides a vital recreational resource for the community while also posing potential risks that require diligent monitoring and emergency preparedness. As an integral part of the water resource infrastructure in Oklahoma, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water management for recreation and the need for proactive risk mitigation in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CIMARRON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cottonwood Creek Near Seward
|
66cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
465cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Cimarron River Near Dover
|
312cfs |
North Canadian River Near Yukon
|
155cfs |
North Canadian River At Britton Rd At Okc
|
267cfs |
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.
Swain J.L.