Kaw Dam
Key Takeaway
Kaw Dam is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 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 | 125 ft (taller than 99.8% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 9,466 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.3M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 406.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16,750 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6,652 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 616,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| NID ID | OK20509 |
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
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Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kaw Dam?
Kaw 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 Kaw Dam?
Kaw Dam is owned by USACE - Tulsa District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kaw Dam built?
Kaw Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Kaw Dam?
Kaw Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Kaw Dam?
Kaw Dam has a dam height of 125 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 Kaw Dam last inspected?
Kaw Dam was last inspected on July 29, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.