Graff #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Graff #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Harper County, Oklahoma, along Sand Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 658 feet, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, Graff #1 has not been rated for its condition and lacks essential emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated contact information.

Situated in the Tulsa District and overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Graff #1 serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, providing essential water storage and flood protection. While the dam has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance assessments, its location and design suggest a valuable asset for water management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With a spillway width of 70 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, Graff #1 represents a key infrastructure for managing water flow along Sand Creek and minimizing flood risks in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Graff #1 presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Oklahoma with potential for enhanced risk management and emergency preparedness. As stakeholders consider the importance of maintaining and updating aging infrastructure like Graff #1, there is an opportunity to improve its resilience to climate challenges and ensure its continued effectiveness in water management and flood control. By addressing issues such as condition assessment, emergency planning, and regular inspections, Graff #1 can serve as a model for sustainable water resource management in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

658

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.