Carlton Lake

FOURCHE MALINE CREEK· Latimer, Oklahoma· Built 1938· Arch· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Carlton Lake is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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 40 ft (taller than 83.4% in OK)
Dam Length243 ft
Dam TypeArch
Max Storage552 acre-ft
Normal Storage552 acre-ft
Surface Area46 acres
Drainage Area14 sq mi
Max Discharge12,800 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDOK02175

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 6, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRB

Ownership

DEPT OF TOURISM & RECREATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carlton Lake?

Carlton 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 Carlton Lake?

Carlton Lake is owned by DEPT OF TOURISM & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carlton Lake built?

Carlton Lake was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Carlton Lake?

Carlton 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 Carlton Lake?

Carlton Lake has a dam height of 40 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 Carlton Lake last inspected?

Carlton Lake was last inspected on December 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.