Scs-Otter Creek Site-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

SCS-Otter Creek Site-5, located in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1973 for flood risk reduction along the TR-TELEPHONE CR river.


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Summary

With a height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 28 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 493 acre-feet and a surface area of 15 acres. Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the state regulatory agency, OWRB, with a frequency of every 3 years.

The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1380 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for SCS-Otter Creek Site-5 indicates a very high risk level, appropriate risk management measures are yet to be specified. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and adherence to guidelines for emergency preparedness remain undisclosed. Overall, this site presents a captivating opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore the complex interplay between infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and risk mitigation in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1930

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-TELEPHONE CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

493

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.