Shepard Lj Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Shepard Lj, located in Hughes County, Oklahoma, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1977.
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Summary
This dam, standing at 30 feet in height with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, serves as a crucial water resource structure on TR-Little Sandy Creek. Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Shepard Lj plays a vital role in regulating water flow, with a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 700 cubic feet per second.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Shepard Lj is classified as having a very high risk level, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With a single valve outlet gate and a history of state-regulated inspections, this dam is prepared for emergencies with an established Emergency Action Plan (EAP). While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its presence ensures the protection and management of water resources in the region, highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in climate resilience and water sustainability.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SANDY CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canadian River At Calvin
|
361cfs |
Little River Near Sasakwa
|
12cfs |
North Canadian River Near Wetumka
|
209cfs |
Blue River Near Connerville
|
54cfs |
Pennington Creek Near Reagan
|
7cfs |
Clear Boggy Creek Near Caney
|
423cfs |
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.
Shepard Lj