Bachman Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hanawalt Mckean Frank
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Bachman is a privately owned dam located in Roger Mills, Oklahoma, along the Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge of 2210 cubic feet per second, Bachman serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bachman is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and condition assessment being listed as "Not Rated". The dam has one valve for outlet gates and undergoes inspections every 5 years, with the last one carried out in November 2010. While the dam meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, which raises concerns for potential risks and safety measures in case of emergencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bachman presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in rural Oklahoma. Its location, design, and current risk assessment provide valuable insights into the management and regulation of such structures, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and risk mitigation strategies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Washita River Near Cheyenne
|
9cfs |
Canadian Rv Nr Canadian
|
45cfs |
Wolf Ck At Lipscomb
|
0cfs |
Sweetwater Ck Nr Kelton
|
3cfs |
Sweetwater Creek Near Sweetwater
|
14cfs |
Washita River Near Hammon
|
12cfs |
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.
Bachman