Sells Marvin Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cates Laverne Oknoname 063037
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sells Marvin is a privately owned dam located in Hughes County, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Atwood.
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Summary
Constructed in 1977 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 25 feet in height and spans 523 feet in length, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along the Leader Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1069 cubic feet per second, Sells Marvin plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for condition assessment, Sells Marvin poses a very high risk due to its location and purpose. The dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. Equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, the dam is designed to handle emergencies and mitigate potential flooding events in the region.
As a water resource and climate enthusiast, Sells Marvin offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure management and risk assessment. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1970s, this dam continues to play a vital role in protecting the local community from flood risks while maintaining a balance between water storage and controlled discharge. Its design, construction, and regulatory oversight by the OWRB highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating climate-related challenges in Oklahoma.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
523 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
LEADER CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canadian River At Calvin
|
361cfs |
Little River Near Sasakwa
|
12cfs |
North Canadian River Near Wetumka
|
209cfs |
Little River Near Tecumseh
|
8cfs |
North Canadian River At Shawnee
|
177cfs |
Blue River Near Connerville
|
54cfs |
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.
Sells Marvin