Harold Gwartney is a privately owned Earth dam located in Custer, Oklahoma, along the Washita River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 2002 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a storage capacity of 97.3 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 24 feet, with a length of 225 feet, and a surface area of 6.4 acres, providing essential habitat for various wildlife in the area.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), Harold Gwartney is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam is classified as a controlled spillway type with one valve outlet gate. Although its condition is currently not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to monitor its performance and maintenance needs, with the last inspection conducted in July 2011.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harold Gwartney represents a vital infrastructure for conservation efforts and ecosystem preservation along the Washita River. With its strategic location and purpose as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, the dam provides essential water storage for the surrounding area while minimizing the risk of potential flooding. Its collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state regulatory agencies highlights a commitment to sustainable water management practices and environmental stewardship in Oklahoma.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
WASHITA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
720 |
Nid Storage |
97.3 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Wapello State Park Campground
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Lake Wapello State Park
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Honey Creek State Park Campground
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