Steele Ralph Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Steele Ralph is a privately owned earth dam located in Wetumka, Oklahoma, designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1976, the dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a length of 350 feet. It has a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1160 cubic feet per second, with a controlled spillway type and a single valve outlet gate.
The dam is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspections, and enforcement. It is classified as having a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition assessment. Despite its risk assessment being classified as very high, the dam has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) date, and there is no information on specific risk management measures in place.
Steele Ralph provides valuable flood risk reduction benefits for the local area, serving as a key infrastructure for water resource management in Hughes County, Oklahoma. Its construction and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the importance of collaboration between federal agencies and private owners in ensuring the safety and functionality of essential water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LONG GEORGE CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Canadian River Near Wetumka
|
209cfs |
Little River Near Sasakwa
|
12cfs |
Canadian River At Calvin
|
361cfs |
North Canadian River At Shawnee
|
177cfs |
Little River Near Tecumseh
|
8cfs |
Deep Fork Near Beggs
|
141cfs |
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.
Steele Ralph