Scs-Upper Elk Creek Site-23c Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-23c in Oklahoma is a state-regulated dam designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-Elk Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 1555 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 1480 acre-feet. With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, this dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a slide outlet gate for water management.
Located in Beckham County, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-23c plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 16000 cfs. Despite its age, the dam has undergone periodic inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2011. The risk assessment for this dam is classified as very high, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities.
With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-23c serves as a vital infrastructure asset in the region, managed by the OWRB and meeting state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, specifications, and operational aspects of dams like SCS-Upper Elk Creek Site-23c is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events on our environment.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
1555 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
2.98 |
Nid Storage |
1480 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
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-23c