The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District performed a periodic inspection of Sardis Dam in Sardis, Okla., July 29, 2025-Aug. 1, 2025.
Before performing the inspections, the Sardis Lake Project Office set up a small dam downstream of the stilling basin to dewater the area for the inspection.
Dewatering allows inspectors to gain a more accurate picture of the dam and identify issues like erosion or concrete spalling.
After pumping the water from the stilling basin, Sardis Lake Project Office and Tulsa District Infrastructure Branch employees held a fish rodeo to remove game fish from the stilling basin and return them to Sardis Lake.
Periodic inspection requirements include dewatering the stilling basin and gate operational capabilities inspections to identify maintenance requirements and ensure structures operate as intended for public safety.
Source: U.S.Army
