Upper Canyon
Key Takeaway
Upper Canyon is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 30 ft (taller than 54.9% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 165 ft |
| Dam Type | Stone |
| Max Storage | 49 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 49 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 20,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1905 (121 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2011 |
| NID ID | OK20507 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Fort Sill
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Potawatomi Twins
Comanche, OK
Low Hazard 23 ftCrater Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 16 ftQuanah Parker Dam
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High Hazard 53 ftOsage Dam
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Low Hazard 25 ftKetch Lake
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Significant Hazard 33 ftLost Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 23 ftLake Jed Johnson Dam
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High Hazard 51 ftA.J. Ryder
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Canyon?
Upper Canyon is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Upper Canyon?
Upper Canyon is owned by Fort Sill (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Canyon built?
Upper Canyon was completed in 1905, making it 121 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Upper Canyon?
Upper Canyon serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Canyon?
Upper Canyon has a dam height of 30 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Upper Canyon last inspected?
Upper Canyon was last inspected on October 24, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.