Huffman Ben, located in Hughes, Oklahoma, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1977 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at 20 feet tall and stretching 417 feet in length, Huffman Ben boasts a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1,488 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and ungraded condition assessment, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.
This dam on TR-Mill Creek, a tributary of the Canadian River, serves as a vital flood control structure in the Tulsa District. With a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, Huffman Ben plays a key role in mitigating flood risks and protecting downstream communities from potential inundation. Although it has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans, the risk assessment for Huffman Ben deems it as a very high risk structure, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental preservation.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and advocate for the proper management and maintenance of critical infrastructure like Huffman Ben. By staying informed about the dam's condition, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness measures, stakeholders can contribute to the sustainable management of water resources and climate resilience in the region. Let's work together to safeguard Huffman Ben and other vital structures for a more secure and sustainable future.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
417 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MILL CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
North Canadian River Near Wetumka
|
209cfs |
Canadian River At Calvin
|
361cfs |
Little River Near Sasakwa
|
12cfs |
Deep Fork Near Beggs
|
141cfs |
Canadian River Near Whitefield
|
1190cfs |
Arkansas River Near Haskell
|
4870cfs |