Altus South Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Altus South Dike, located in Blair, Oklahoma, along the North Fork Red River, is a gravity dam completed in 1945 primarily for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a structural height of 46 feet and a length of 330 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 168,120 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource in the region. The dam's spillway, which is controlled, has a width of 4 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water during periods of high discharge.

Despite its age, Altus South Dike remains a key infrastructure for water management in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, providing a surface area of 6,260 acres and a drainage area of 2,515 acres. The dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and the significant amount of water it holds. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of surrounding communities. Additionally, the dam is equipped with a valve outlet gate to regulate water flow and manage irrigation needs effectively.

Altus South Dike's risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures and emergency preparedness. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and is a critical piece of infrastructure for sustaining agriculture and water resources in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Altus South Dike become even more crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK RED RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

6260

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

2515

Nid Storage

168120

Structural Height

46

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

46
       
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.