Cottonwood Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spring Creek Pond Dicks Pond
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cottonwood is a federal dam located in Lake Texoma, Oklahoma, on the TR-Pennington Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1964, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, it serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, Cottonwood is still considered to have a very high risk assessment due to its age and lack of recent inspection data. The dam has not been assessed for condition and there is no Emergency Action Plan in place. While the risk management measures and inundation maps are not available, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for flood control in the region. With its location in a high-risk area for flooding, it is essential to prioritize the assessment and maintenance of Cottonwood to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and the integrity of the dam structure.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PENNINGTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Cottonwood