Loyd Sturkey Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Loyd Sturkey is a privately owned earth dam located in Choctaw, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Virgil.


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Summary

Completed in 1978, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 206 acre-feet. It serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure in the area, regulating the flow of the Wire Branch stream and providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes in the region.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), Loyd Sturkey is classified as a low hazard potential structure with a very high risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its current condition and has not undergone any recent modifications or inspections since 2010. With a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 1860 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety of downstream areas in case of heavy rainfall or flooding events.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Loyd Sturkey represents a significant piece of infrastructure that contributes to the overall water management system in Choctaw, Oklahoma. While its operational status and maintenance history may raise some concerns, the dam's role in regulating water flow and providing vital storage capacity highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and assessment to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of changing environmental conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

WIRE BR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

206

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.