Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-23b Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 3, 2026
SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-23b is a state-owned Earth dam located in Beckham County, Oklahoma, designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this dam stands at a structural height of 42 feet and spans a length of 2790 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 4350 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Elk Creek and is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a condition assessment of fair, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-23b poses a very high risk according to the data. The dam features a controlled spillway and one slide gate outlet. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 781 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 26,280 cubic feet per second. Despite its fair condition, the dam meets state jurisdiction requirements and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its integrity and safety.
Those interested in water resource management and climate resilience will find SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-23b to be a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. The dam's strategic location in Elk City, Oklahoma, provides vital protection against potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential structure to safeguard the surrounding communities and natural habitats along TR-Elk Creek.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
2790 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
46 |
Hydraulic Height |
42 |
Drainage Area |
781 |
Nid Storage |
4350 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-23b