Sub-Penitentiary Lake dam
Sub-Penitentiary Lake
Sub-Penitentiary Lake, also known as Bluestem Lake, is a captivating water resource nestled in Atoka, Oklahoma. Owned by the state and regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, this recreational gem sits on Elm Creek and offers a tranquil escape in the city of Flora. Completed in 1940, this Earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a storage capacity of 933 acre-feet, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.
With a surface area of 90 acres and a maximum discharge of 1934 cubic feet per second, Sub-Penitentiary Lake offers a balance of serenity and adventure for visitors. The controlled spillway and valve outlet gates ensure safety and environmental conservation, while the low hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating speak to the careful monitoring and management practices in place. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, this lake is a haven for those seeking a peaceful haven in the heart of Oklahoma.
Whether you're a climate enthusiast or a water resource aficionado, Sub-Penitentiary Lake is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its picturesque setting, recreational opportunities, and state-regulated facilities, this Earth dam offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure for all who visit. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and embark on a journey to this enchanting oasis in Atoka, Oklahoma.
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 Sub-Penitentiary Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Muddy Boggy Creek Near Farris | 2,430 cfs | → |
| Clear Boggy Creek Near Caney | 423 cfs | → |
| Kiamichi River Near Antlers | 199 cfs | → |
| Canadian River At Calvin | 354 cfs | → |
| Blue River Near Connerville | 114 cfs | → |
| Muddy Boggy Creek Near Unger | 1,370 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sub-Penitentiary Lake.
Track Sub-Penitentiary Lake 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 Sub-Penitentiary Lake
Where does the data for Sub-Penitentiary Lake 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 Low 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 Sub-Penitentiary Lake.