Scs-Waterfall-Gilford Creek Site-11 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, the SCS-Waterfall-Gilford Creek Site-11 is a state-regulated dam with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Constructed in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 1520 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet and a normal storage of 96 acre-feet, it serves as a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area.

Situated on TR-Harris Bayou in Harris, Oklahoma, this dam is owned by the state and regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. It features a controlled spillway and one valve outlet gate, with a hazard potential rated as low. Despite being constructed over four decades ago, the condition assessment of the dam is currently marked as "Not Rated," highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering marvel of this dam and its role in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flooding events.

As a part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in McCurtain County, the SCS-Waterfall-Gilford Creek Site-11 plays a critical role in water management and protection. With a drainage area of 2.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1553 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital line of defense against potential flood hazards. Despite its low hazard potential, ongoing inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure the continued safety and effectiveness of this important water resource management structure.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1520

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-HARRIS BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

2.3

Nid Storage

1100

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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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.