Robert S. Kerr
Robert S. Kerr is a gravity dam located in Mayes County, Oklahoma, built in 1964. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Robert S. Kerr
The primary purpose of Robert S. Kerr is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Grand River Dam Authority (state). It impounds the Neosho near Pryor.
The dam stands 87 feet tall and stretches 3,900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11,000 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 565,674 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11,437 square miles. Completed in 1964, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/20/2024.
At 87 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Oklahoma dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Mayes |
| Nearest City | Pryor |
| River/Stream | Neosho |
| Coordinates | 36.23420, -95.18240 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 87 ft |
| Dam Height | 87 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 565,674 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 565,674 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 215,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11,437 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 736,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Grand River Dam Authority |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/20/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OK00134 |
| Federal ID | OK00134 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |