Elmer Williams Reservoir Report
Nearby: Davis C Darrell Callaway
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Elmer Williams is a privately-owned earth dam located in Bryan, Oklahoma, along the Blue River.
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Summary
Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 28 feet, with a controlled spillway and a surface area of 40 acres.
Managed and regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Elmer Williams has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment ranking of 1. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it undergoes inspection every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a single valve outlet gate and no associated structures, Elmer Williams plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes.
Despite its low hazard potential, the very high risk assessment underscores the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of Elmer Williams. As a vital water resource infrastructure in Oklahoma, this dam highlights the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water supply. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Elmer Williams serves as a case study in the complexities of managing and maintaining critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
40 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
700 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Elmer Williams