Hays Lonell Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hays Lonell, a privately owned earth dam located in Ninnekah, Oklahoma, was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This dam, designed for flood risk reduction, stands at a height of 35 feet and stretches 835 feet in length along the TR Little Washita River. With a maximum storage capacity of 525 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, Hays Lonell plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Comanche County area.

Managed by the OWRB and regulated by the state of Oklahoma, Hays Lonell has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for this dam is classified as "Very High (1)", highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, Hays Lonell serves as a key infrastructure for flood protection and water resource management in the region.

As a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the TR Little Washita River, Hays Lonell is a key component of the water resource infrastructure in Comanche County, Oklahoma. With its strategic location and design features, this earth dam continues to play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

835

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR LITTLE WASHITA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

525

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.