Ray Smith Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mercer No 5 Barnes Wu
Last Updated: January 10, 2026
Ray Smith is a private earth dam located in Dewey, Oklahoma, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the OWRB.
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Summary
Completed in 1986, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along a tributary to the Canadian River. With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, Ray Smith has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, making it a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area.
Owned privately and inspected every five years, Ray Smith features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. Despite not being rated for its condition, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events. With its stone core and soil foundation, Ray Smith stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation measures in Oklahoma.
Situated within the Tulsa District and overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ray Smith serves as a key component in the region's water infrastructure. With its strategic location and functionality in flood risk reduction, this earth dam showcases the importance of collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and design professionals in safeguarding communities and natural resources from the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1986 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO CANADIAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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 Smith