Waxhoma Lake

TR-DOG THRESHER CR· Osage, Oklahoma· Built 1955· Earth· 50 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Waxhoma Lake is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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 50 ft (taller than 94.2% in OK)
Dam Length900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.0K acre-ft
Surface Area140 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge2,500 cfs
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDOK10731

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: August 4, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OWRB

Ownership

CITY OF BARNSDALL

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Waxhoma Lake?

Waxhoma 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 Waxhoma Lake?

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

When was Waxhoma Lake built?

Waxhoma Lake was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Waxhoma Lake?

Waxhoma 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 Waxhoma Lake?

Waxhoma Lake has a dam height of 50 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 Waxhoma Lake last inspected?

Waxhoma Lake was last inspected on August 4, 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.