Leche M Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kaw Dam Ponca Lake
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Leche M is a privately owned earth dam located in Kay County, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Kaw City.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 30 feet, with a total length of 400 feet. It serves the primary purpose of "Other" and has a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam is situated on the TR-Coon Creek and is part of the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. It has a controlled spillway and one valve outlet gate. Despite its low hazard potential, Leche M is classified as having a very high risk due to its condition assessment being "Not Rated." The last inspection was conducted in May 2011, with an inspection frequency of every five years. The dam lacks an emergency action plan (EAP) and inundation maps, highlighting the need for improved risk management measures to address potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Leche M presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Oklahoma with a unique design and purpose. Its location in a high-risk area underscores the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures. As the dam continues to be monitored by the OWRB and other regulatory agencies, there is an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on implementing risk management strategies to enhance the safety and resilience of this critical infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COON CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
216cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
4230cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
444cfs |
Arkansas R At Arkansas City
|
835cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
12cfs |
Walnut R At Winfield
|
312cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
McFadden Cove - Kaw Lake
|
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Lake Ponca
|
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Osage Cove - Kaw Lake
|
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Coon Creek Cove - Kaw Lake
|
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Washunga Bay - Kaw Lake
|
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Sarge Creek - Kaw Lake
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Leche M
Osage County