Huffman Ben Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.