Lee Mcmorries Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Lee Mcmorries is a privately owned dam located in Payne, Oklahoma, near the city of Stillwater.


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Summary

Built in 1997 by the USDA NRCS, this stone dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.5 acres. Situated on a tributary of Stillwater Creek, Lee Mcmorries serves a variety of purposes beyond flood control, making it a crucial water resource in the region.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Lee Mcmorries is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced for safety and compliance. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam poses a very high risk due to its location and purpose. With a drainage area of 155 square miles and a maximum discharge of 523 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating potential risks in the area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Lee Mcmorries to be an important structure to study and monitor in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the environment and communities in Payne County, Oklahoma.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TRIB. OF STILLWATER CREEK

Surface Area

4.5

Drainage Area

155

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.