Pawhuska Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Pawhuska Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 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 | 57 ft (taller than 96.8% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 960 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 96 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | OK11044 |
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
CITY OF PAWHUSKA
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Pawhuska Lake Dam?
Pawhuska Lake 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 Pawhuska Lake Dam?
Pawhuska Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF PAWHUSKA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pawhuska Lake Dam built?
Pawhuska Lake Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Pawhuska Lake Dam?
Pawhuska Lake Dam 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 Pawhuska Lake Dam?
Pawhuska Lake Dam has a dam height of 57 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 Pawhuska Lake Dam last inspected?
Pawhuska Lake Dam was last inspected on December 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.