Bluestem Lake
Key Takeaway
Bluestem Lake is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 74 ft (taller than 98.8% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 35.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 860 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 56,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | OK02570 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
CITY OF PAWHUSKA
Local Government
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Low Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bluestem Lake?
Bluestem Lake is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bluestem Lake?
Bluestem Lake is owned by CITY OF PAWHUSKA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bluestem Lake built?
Bluestem Lake was completed in 1958, making it 68 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bluestem Lake?
Bluestem Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bluestem Lake?
Bluestem Lake has a dam height of 74 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bluestem Lake last inspected?
Bluestem Lake was last inspected on December 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.