Pawnee Lake
Key Takeaway
Pawnee Lake is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1932 and is 94 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 | 45 ft (taller than 90.3% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 1,908 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 530 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1932 (94 years old) |
| NID ID | OK11043 |
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 PAWNEE
Local Government
Nearby Dams
SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-03
Pawnee, OK
Significant Hazard 41 ftSCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-02
Pawnee, OK
High Hazard 25 ftSCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-17
Pawnee, OK
High Hazard 39 ftFeaster
Pawnee, OK
Low Hazard 20 ftSCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-04
Pawnee, OK
Significant Hazard 58 ftSCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-05
Pawnee, OK
Low Hazard 40 ftSCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-01
Pawnee, OK
Low Hazard 40 ftHeiman Ed H
Pawnee, OK
Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pawnee Lake?
Pawnee 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 Pawnee Lake?
Pawnee Lake is owned by CITY OF PAWNEE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pawnee Lake built?
Pawnee Lake was completed in 1932, making it 94 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 Pawnee Lake?
Pawnee 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 Pawnee Lake?
Pawnee Lake has a dam height of 45 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 Pawnee Lake last inspected?
Pawnee Lake was last inspected on February 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.