Blackburn Harold E Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Blackburn Harold E is a privately owned earth dam located in Pawnee, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Cleveland.


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Summary

Completed in 1940, this dam on Carpenter Creek stands at 40 feet high and has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 190 acre-feet. The dam has a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 2,450 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Blackburn Harold E poses a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment being listed as "Not Rated". The dam has one valve outlet gate and is regularly inspected every 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in December 2010. While the dam meets state regulations for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, it lacks an Emergency Action Plan and updated contact information, which raises concerns for its ability to respond to potential emergencies effectively.

In the world of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Blackburn Harold E serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of communities downstream. As a privately owned dam under state jurisdiction, it highlights the need for proactive risk management measures and the development of Emergency Action Plans to address potential hazards and protect the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

CARPENTER CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

40

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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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.