Fuchs S Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 5, 2026

Fuchs S, located in Beckham County, Oklahoma, is a privately owned dam primarily used for flood risk reduction on TR-WEST ELK CREEK.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 525 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 214 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its low hazard potential, Fuchs S poses a very high risk due to its age and the potential consequences of failure. The dam has a controlled spillway and one valve outlet gate for water management. Although its condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," the dam is in need of further evaluation to determine any necessary maintenance or upgrades to reduce the risk of failure in the future.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fuchs S serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing flood risks in the region. Understanding the dam's history, design, and current condition is essential for ensuring the safety of downstream communities and the surrounding environment. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Fuchs S will be vital in safeguarding against potential disasters.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-WEST ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

214

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.