Kiowa Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Kiowa Dam, located in Comanche, Oklahoma, serves as a critical water resource for the surrounding area.


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Summary

Built in 1930 by the U.S. Forest Service, this earth dam stands at 23 feet tall and spans 590 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 141 acre-feet. The dam primarily functions as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service to support the conservation efforts in the region.

Despite its historical significance, Kiowa Dam is in a state of disrepair, with a poor condition assessment reported in 2015. The dam has a low hazard potential but poses moderate risks, indicating a need for maintenance and potential rehabilitation to ensure its long-term stability and functionality. The lack of recent inspection updates and emergency preparedness measures raise concerns about the dam's resilience in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the status of Kiowa Dam and advocate for necessary investments in its rehabilitation. By addressing the maintenance needs and implementing risk management measures, we can safeguard this vital infrastructure and preserve its role in supporting the local ecosystem and water supply. Additionally, promoting sustainable practices and resilience planning will help mitigate the impacts of climate change on dams like Kiowa, ensuring a secure water future for communities and wildlife in the region.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WEST CACHE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.6

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

141

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.