Salisbury Melvin Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hutchison No.5 Hutchison No.1
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Salisbury Melvin is a privately owned dam located in Ellis, Oklahoma, along the TR SOUTH TURKEY CR river.
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Summary
Built in 1984, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB).
Despite its low hazard potential, Salisbury Melvin is classified as having a very high risk due to its condition assessment being "Not Rated." The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and an outlet gate with a single valve. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in December 2010, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements, there are no emergency action plans in place or inundation maps prepared, raising concerns about its overall risk management measures.
In conclusion, Salisbury Melvin is a key water resource structure in Oklahoma with a complex risk profile that warrants further attention from stakeholders and regulators. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of dams like Salisbury Melvin is crucial for protecting both the environment and nearby communities.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR SOUTH TURKEY CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
98 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Salisbury Melvin