Sanford Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sanford is a federal water resource located in Hutchinson County, Texas, along the Canadian River.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this earth dam stands at a height of 228 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of over 2.3 million acre-feet, Sanford covers a surface area of 16,513 acres and has a drainage area of 20,220 square miles. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 61 feet, and it has a maximum discharge of 61,100 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Sanford's overall risk assessment is moderate. The dam has undergone regular inspections by the Bureau of Reclamation, with the last inspection conducted in August 2020. Emergency action plans have been prepared and revised periodically, with the most recent update in November 2014. While the condition assessment of Sanford is currently listed as "Not Available," the dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are in place to address any potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sanford presents an intriguing case study of a vital infrastructure project designed to provide both recreational opportunities and crucial water management services in the Texas region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

6380

Dam Height

228

River Or Stream

CANADIAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16513

Hydraulic Height

192

Drainage Area

20220

Nid Storage

2385983

Structural Height

228

Outlet Gates

None, Other Controlled - 5, Valve - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

228
       
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.