Willits Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oknoname 119001 Oknoname 047001
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Willits Lake, located in Fairview, Oklahoma, is a privately owned earth dam structure with a primary purpose that falls under the category of "Other." Completed in 1965, the dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 20 acre-feet.
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Summary
The dam is regulated and inspected by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), ensuring that it meets state standards for safety and compliance.
The lake, which is a tributary to Cottonwood Creek, covers an area of 1 acre and has a controlled spillway type with a width of 1 foot. Despite its low hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of "Very High (1)," the condition of the dam is currently rated as "Not Rated," suggesting that further assessment may be needed. The dam is equipped with a valve outlet gate and has not been modified in recent years, with the last inspection conducted in December 2010.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Willits Lake presents an interesting case study in dam infrastructure management and risk assessment. Its location in Garfield County, Oklahoma, and its connection to a vital waterway underscore the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Willits Lake serves as a reminder of the critical role that water management plays in safeguarding our environment and water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Willits Lake