Canton Dam
Key Takeaway
Canton Dam is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 68 ft (taller than 98.4% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 15,140 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 383.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 111.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,910 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7,600 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 339,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | OK10316 |
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
USACE - Tulsa District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Canton Dam?
Canton Dam 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 Canton Dam?
Canton Dam is owned by USACE - Tulsa District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Canton Dam built?
Canton Dam was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Canton Dam?
Canton Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Canton Dam?
Canton Dam has a dam height of 68 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 Canton Dam last inspected?
Canton Dam was last inspected on November 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.