Garms Bill Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Garms Bill, located in Piedmont, Oklahoma, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1979 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Deer Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 24 feet with a length of 294 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1600 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with a very high risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its condition and last underwent inspection in August 2010.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and regulated at the state level, Garms Bill has state jurisdiction and permitting for operations and inspections. Although the dam has a controlled spillway and one outlet valve, it lacks an emergency action plan and updated inundation maps. The dam's designer, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, plays a crucial role in ensuring the structure's integrity for flood risk reduction in the surrounding area, which includes Canadian County, Oklahoma.

While Garms Bill has not been modified in recent years and operates under the supervision of the USDA NRCS, its risk management measures and emergency preparedness are areas that may require attention to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of downstream communities in the event of a catastrophic failure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and advocate for the proper maintenance and oversight of structures like Garms Bill to safeguard against the impacts of extreme weather events and changing hydrological conditions in the region.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

294

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

DEER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Garms BillNorth Canadian River near Yukon Preview North Canadian River Near Yukon
119.0cfs
119cfs
Garms BillNorth Canadian River near El Reno Preview North Canadian River Near El Reno
86.4cfs
86cfs
Garms BillNorth Canadian River blw Lk Overholser nr OKC Preview North Canadian River Blw Lk Overholser Nr Okc
5.4cfs
5cfs
Garms BillNorth Canadian River near Calumet Preview North Canadian River Near Calumet
131.0cfs
131cfs
Garms BillCottonwood Creek near Seward Preview Cottonwood Creek Near Seward
70.4cfs
70cfs
Garms BillCimarron River near Dover Preview Cimarron River Near Dover
300.0cfs
300cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs