Scs-Cowden Laterals Site-012 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

SCS-Cowden Laterals Site-012, located in Caddo, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Washita River.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. With a controlled spillway and a low hazard potential, the dam is equipped with a single valve outlet gate for water release when necessary.

Despite its age, SCS-Cowden Laterals Site-012 has not been inspected since 1980, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam is currently classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, presenting a potential risk that has been identified as "Very High (1)". The regulatory oversight for this dam falls under the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are in place to manage the flood control infrastructure effectively and protect surrounding communities from potential hazards.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data surrounding SCS-Cowden Laterals Site-012 highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring of critical infrastructure to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. With a focus on flood risk reduction and a history dating back to the 1970s, this dam serves as a reminder of the vital role that engineering and regulatory agencies play in safeguarding our water resources and communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-WASHITA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

34

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.