Lake Carl Blackwell
Key Takeaway
Lake Carl Blackwell is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 72 ft (taller than 98.7% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 4,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 119.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 61.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,370 acres |
| Drainage Area | 75 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 72,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | OK01388 |
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
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
State Government
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High Hazard 42 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Carl Blackwell?
Lake Carl Blackwell 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 Lake Carl Blackwell?
Lake Carl Blackwell is owned by OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Carl Blackwell built?
Lake Carl Blackwell was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Lake Carl Blackwell?
Lake Carl Blackwell serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Carl Blackwell?
Lake Carl Blackwell has a dam height of 72 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 Lake Carl Blackwell last inspected?
Lake Carl Blackwell was last inspected on April 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.