Ray Sawatsky Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ray Sawatsky, a private dam located in Dewey, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a height of 29 feet and a length of 536 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1984, this earth dam on an unnamed tributary of the Washita River serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating of 1, indicating the need for careful monitoring and maintenance.
Managed by the OWRB, Ray Sawatsky features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. The dam's construction materials include stone core and soil foundation, making it a vital component in managing water resources in the area. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The risk management measures for Ray Sawatsky are currently unspecified, highlighting the importance of proactive risk mitigation strategies for this critical water infrastructure.
In the heart of Oklahoma's Dewey County, Ray Sawatsky stands as a key structure in the Tulsa District managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With its strategic location on a tributary of the Washita River, this earth dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage for the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Ray Sawatsky become increasingly vital to ensure the safety and resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
536 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TR. WASHITA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
162 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Ray Sawatsky