Kusch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kusch is a privately owned earth dam located in Fairview, Oklahoma, with a primary purpose of serving as a water resource for the surrounding area.


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Summary

Built in 1970, the dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam, situated on TR-Gypsum Creek in Major County, Oklahoma, has a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and a maximum discharge capacity of 558 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its condition assessment being labeled as "Not Rated." Emergency action plans and risk management measures for Kusch have not been updated or prepared, highlighting the need for potential improvements in safety protocols and maintenance.

With a risk assessment ranking of "Very High (1)" and a lack of recent condition evaluations, Kusch serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts to advocate for heightened attention to the dam's maintenance and regulatory oversight. As a crucial infrastructure piece in the region's water management system, ensuring the safety and reliability of Kusch is essential for safeguarding the local community and environment from potential risks and emergencies related to water resource management.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-GYPSUM CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.