Scs-little Washita River Site-26

About Scs-little Washita River Site-26

The primary purpose of Scs-little Washita River Site-26 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by South Caddo Cons Dist (state). It impounds the Little Washita River near Rocky Ford.

The dam stands 57 feet tall and stretches 1,140 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 27 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,310 acre-feet. Completed in 1971, 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 08/03/2011. That was 14 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.

At 57 feet, this dam is taller than 95% 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.