Waurika Dam
Key Takeaway
Waurika Dam is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 106 ft (taller than 99.6% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 16,637 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 935.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 190.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10,100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 562 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 50,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | OK22203 |
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
USACE - Tulsa District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Oknoname 067001
Jefferson, OK
Low Hazard 16 ftJap Beaver
Jefferson, OK
Low Hazard 38 ftOknoname 067003
Jefferson, OK
Low Hazard 28 ftSCS-Cow Creek Site-47
Jefferson, OK
Low Hazard 30 ftSCS-Cow Creek Site-02
Jefferson, OK
Significant Hazard 26 ftSCS-Cow Creek Site-46
Stephens, OK
Significant Hazard 26 ftSCS-Cow Creek Site-29
Jefferson, OK
Low Hazard 27 ftSCS-Cow Creek Site-01b
Jefferson, OK
Significant Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Waurika Dam?
Waurika Dam 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 Waurika Dam?
Waurika Dam is owned by USACE - Tulsa District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Waurika Dam built?
Waurika Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Waurika Dam?
Waurika Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Waurika Dam?
Waurika Dam has a dam height of 106 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 Waurika Dam last inspected?
Waurika Dam was last inspected on March 9, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.