Watonga Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Watonga Lake, located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated water resource that serves primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1955, this earth dam stands at 33 feet tall and spans 910 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 1,190 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 55 acres. The dam is situated on Bitter Creek and is owned and maintained by the state, with regular inspections and enforcement by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Despite its low hazard potential, Watonga Lake is deemed to have a very high risk due to its location and characteristics. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 2 feet and a single valve outlet gate. While the structure has not been rated for condition assessment, it undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 2,000 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,430 cubic feet per second, Watonga Lake is an essential water resource in Blaine County, Oklahoma, and a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
910 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
BITTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
55 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
2000 |
Nid Storage |
1190 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Watonga Lake