Hefner
Hefner is an earth dam located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, built in 1943. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hefner
The primary purpose of Hefner is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (local government). It impounds the Bluff Creek near Oklahoma City.
The dam stands 112 feet tall and stretches 26,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,110 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 107,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1943, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/05/2022.
At 112 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Oklahoma |
| Nearest City | Oklahoma City |
| River/Stream | Bluff Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.58126, -97.60613 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 112 ft |
| Dam Height | 112 ft |
| Dam Length | 26,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 107,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 107,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 74,400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,110 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,023 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | OKLAHOMA CITY WATER UTILITIES TRUST |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/05/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OK02535 |
| Federal ID | OK02535 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |