Clayton Lake

PEAL CREEK· Pushmataha, Oklahoma· Built 1946· Earth· 53 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Clayton Lake is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 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 53 ft (taller than 95.7% in OK)
Dam Length630 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage953 acre-ft
Surface Area66 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Max Discharge15,166 cfs
Year Completed1946 (80 years old)
NID IDOK21490

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 Clayton Lake?

Clayton 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 Clayton Lake?

Clayton 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 Clayton Lake built?

Clayton Lake was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Clayton Lake?

Clayton 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 Clayton Lake?

Clayton Lake has a dam height of 53 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 Clayton Lake last inspected?

Clayton 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.