Waurika Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Waurika Dam, also known as Waurika Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Jefferson County, Oklahoma.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1977, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction but also supports irrigation, recreation, and water supply purposes. With a height of 106 feet and a capacity of 935,480 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) oversees the design, construction, operation, and regulatory aspects of Waurika Dam. The dam's risk assessment conducted by USACE in 2021 classified the risk as low, primarily driven by potential water flow and seepage issues that could lead to erosion and breach. To manage risk, USACE conducts various activities such as emergency exercises, routine updates to the Emergency Action Plan, and detailed inspections to ensure the dam's integrity.

In the event of dam failure, communities downstream, including Waurika and Ryan, could face flooding impacts. USACE's risk management measures, including maintenance activities, emergency planning, and monitoring systems, aim to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety and stability of Waurika Dam for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

16637

Dam Height

106

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10100

Hydraulic Height

99

Drainage Area

562

Nid Storage

935480

Structural Height

106

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

106
       
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.