Scs-Upper Red Rock Creek Site-16 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

SCS-Upper Red Rock Creek Site-16 is a state-regulated dam located in Garfield, Oklahoma, designed by USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along Hereford Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1985, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans a length of 3900 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1880 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5 square miles. With a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment.

Despite its low hazard potential, SCS-Upper Red Rock Creek Site-16 poses a very high risk, prompting the need for risk management measures to be put in place, although specifics are not provided in the data. The dam's overall condition remains unassessed, with the last inspection date recorded in 1980 and an inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the dam's emergency action plan status and adherence to guidelines are unknown, the dam's design and purpose primarily focus on flood risk reduction along the Hereford Creek watershed, serving as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

Located within the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and falling under the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, SCS-Upper Red Rock Creek Site-16 stands as a key player in mitigating flood risks in the area. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam's structure and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change impacts continue to influence water availability and flood patterns, the sustainable operation and maintenance of dams like SCS-Upper Red Rock Creek Site-16 are essential for safeguarding communities and ecosystems in Oklahoma.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

3900

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

HEREFORD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

1880

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.