Thurman Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hada Oknoname 151001
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Thurman is a privately owned earth dam located in Woods County, Oklahoma, near the city of Alva.
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Summary
Built in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet. It spans 340 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet. The dam serves as a regulatory structure for the TR-Salt Fork Arkansas River within the Tulsa District.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Thurman poses a very high risk according to a risk assessment rating of 1. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and a single valve outlet gate. While last inspected in 2010, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and emergency action plans have not been prepared or updated. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement procedures in place.
In the realm of water resource and climate management, Thurman presents an interesting case study due to its unique characteristics and risk profile. With its stone core and soil foundation, this earth dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the TR-Salt Fork Arkansas River. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the condition and management of structures like Thurman becomes increasingly important for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALT FORK ARKANSAS RIV |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Salt Fork Arkansas River Nr Alva
|
88cfs |
Medicine Lodge R Nr Kiowa
|
106cfs |
Cimarron River Near Waynoka
|
118cfs |
Cimarron River Near Buffalo
|
75cfs |
Cimarron R Near Buttermilk
|
44cfs |
Bluff Creek Nr Buttermilk
|
40cfs |
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.
Thurman