Cates Laverne Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cates Laverne is a privately-owned earth dam located in Hughes County, Oklahoma, near the city of Atwood.


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Summary

Constructed in 1977 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the TR-CANADIAN RIV. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet, with a controlled spillway type and a maximum discharge capacity of 1255 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Cates Laverne has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment. Despite its very high risk classification, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is inspected every five years for structural integrity. With a single valve outlet gate and no associated structures, Cates Laverne plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and ensuring the safety of nearby communities.

Overall, Cates Laverne represents a key infrastructure asset in the Tulsa District, contributing to water resource management efforts in Oklahoma. As a part of the broader network of dams in the area, it highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the long-term functionality of water resource systems in the region.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

688

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-CANADIAN RIV

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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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.