Panther Falls dam
Panther Falls
Panther Falls, located in Murray County, Oklahoma, is a gravity dam built in 1930 primarily for recreation purposes. Standing at 15 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 7 feet, this dam on Travertine Creek offers a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. The controlled spillway and valve outlet ensure the safety and functionality of the structure, while the dam's 50-acre storage capacity provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Despite its age, Panther Falls remains in good condition and is regularly inspected, with a significant hazard potential due to its location and design. The risk assessment for this dam is categorized as very high, emphasizing the importance of proper management and maintenance. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, Panther Falls serves as a valuable resource for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Oklahoma's natural beauty.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to explore the intersection of infrastructure and nature, Panther Falls offers a fascinating glimpse into the impact of human intervention on the environment. As a federal-owned structure, this dam stands as a testament to the balance between conservation and recreation, providing a unique opportunity to witness the power and beauty of water in a controlled setting. With its tranquil surroundings and potential for outdoor adventure, Panther Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the dynamics of water management and its influence on the surrounding ecosystem.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Panther Falls -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Creek At Sulphur | 10 cfs | → |
| Pennington Creek Near Reagan | 17 cfs | → |
| Washita River Near Dickson | 380 cfs | → |
| Blue River Near Connerville | 95 cfs | → |
| Washita River Near Pauls Valley | 143 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Sasakwa | 82 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Panther Falls.
Track Panther Falls in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Panther Falls
Where does the data for Panther Falls come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Panther Falls.