Lawtonka Lake

MEDICINE CREEK· Comanche, Oklahoma· Built 1939· Gravity· 90 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lawtonka Lake is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 90 ft (taller than 99.3% in OK)
Dam Length612 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage88.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage54.7K acre-ft
Surface Area2,286 acres
Drainage Area92 sq mi
Max Discharge33,012 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDOK00450

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: November 16, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRB

Ownership

CITY OF LAWTON

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lawtonka Lake?

Lawtonka 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 Lawtonka Lake?

Lawtonka Lake is owned by CITY OF LAWTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lawtonka Lake built?

Lawtonka Lake was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Lawtonka Lake?

Lawtonka Lake 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 Lawtonka Lake?

Lawtonka Lake has a dam height of 90 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 Lawtonka Lake last inspected?

Lawtonka Lake was last inspected on November 16, 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.