Scs-Cherokee Sandy Site-16 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-16 is a state-regulated earth dam located in Garvin, Oklahoma, designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily address flood risk reduction along the Wolf Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1983, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 1200 feet, with a storage capacity of 646 acre-feet and a normal storage of 68 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is controlled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 475 cubic feet per second.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for SCS-Cherokee Sandy Site-16 indicates a very high level of risk, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam is equipped with a single valve outlet gate, and inspections are required every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure asset in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, under the oversight of the OWRB. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site offers a compelling case study in the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and emergency preparedness in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
WOLF CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.28 |
Nid Storage |
646 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Washita River Near Pauls Valley
|
335cfs |
Rock Creek At Sulphur
|
8cfs |
Walnut Creek At Purcell
|
28cfs |
Canadian River At Purcell
|
204cfs |
Little River Near Tecumseh
|
5cfs |
North Criner Creek Near Criner
|
1cfs |
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.
Scs-Cherokee Sandy Site-16