Smith Helen Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Smith Helen is a privately owned earth dam located in Custer County, Oklahoma.


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Summary

Built in 1984 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes and stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet. The dam has a capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, regulating the flow of TR QUATERMASTER CR.

Maintained by the OWRB, Smith Helen has a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. Despite being rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a very high risk level, with its hazard potential still undetermined. The dam is in the jurisdiction of the state and is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in August 2006.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith Helen presents a unique case study of a privately owned dam with a significant risk level in Oklahoma. With its design by USDA NRCS and regulation by OWRB, this earth dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Its high risk level underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and stability of the structure for the surrounding community and the environment.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR QUATERMASTER CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

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.