Mountain Lake

HICKORY CREEK· Carter, Oklahoma· Built 1956· Buttress· 56 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mountain Lake is classified as significant hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 56 ft (taller than 96.7% in OK)
Dam Length618 ft
Dam TypeButtress
Max Storage3.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.0K acre-ft
Surface Area210 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge45,170 cfs
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDOK10501

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 15, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRB

Ownership

CITY OF ARDMORE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mountain Lake?

Mountain Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Mountain Lake?

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

When was Mountain Lake built?

Mountain Lake was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Mountain Lake?

Mountain 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 Mountain Lake?

Mountain Lake has a dam height of 56 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 Mountain Lake last inspected?

Mountain Lake was last inspected on December 15, 2021. 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.