Borders Rw Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Borders Rw is a privately owned earth dam located in Hughes County, Oklahoma, along the Big Sandy Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. It has a normal storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 930 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Borders Rw has a controlled spillway and a hazard potential rated as low. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for this dam is categorized as very high, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Borders Rw presents an interesting case study in dam infrastructure and risk management. With its strategic location along Big Sandy Creek and its role in flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the management and maintenance of dams like Borders Rw is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

335

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

BIG SANDY CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

250

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.