Hieronymous Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Hieronymous is a privately owned earthen dam located in Harper County, Oklahoma, along Snake Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS, the dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. With a surface area of 11 acres, Hieronymous serves a primary purpose that is not specified, but its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating suggest a relatively stable condition.

Despite being unregulated by the state and not subject to inspections or enforcement measures, Hieronymous is still a vital structure for water resource management in the area. Situated in the city of Buffalo, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and irrigation for the surrounding agricultural land. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates indicate a simple yet effective design for managing water flow along Snake Creek.

Although Hieronymous has not been rated for its current condition, its risk assessment suggests a moderate level of vulnerability. While the dam may not have a detailed emergency action plan in place, its low hazard potential and historical performance make it a reliable asset for the community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Hieronymous to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of private ownership, government design, and environmental risk management.

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SNAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

94

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.