Oklahoma’s flood control dams: reducing fear from flooding

Oftentimes the most important words after a disaster are those you didn’t have to use such as death/injuries, starting over, rebuilding, and others.

That’s where the protection of Oklahoma’s network of 2,107 flood control dams and voluntary conservation practices once again shined. The presence of 50 such dams prevented an estimated $2 million in flood damages just from the May 4-6 storms according to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Office.

Chris Stoner, Oklahoma NRCS State Conservation Engineer said, “Some areas got hit very hard and field crews were hampered in inspecting some of the dams by high water and washedout roads. However, the reports to date show very little damage to the dams or spillways.”

“Dam Safety Awareness Day” will be recognized on Tuesday, May 31. It takes place annually in memory of the 2,220 people who lost their lives in the 1889 South Fork Dam failure near Johnstown, Pa.. However, Oklahomans have a year-round respect for the upstream flood control dams.

Trey Lam, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), said, “Sudden intense rainfall events hit Oklahoma every year. For over six decades Small Flood Control dams have successfully held back flood waters, preventing loss of property and lives.”