French Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

French Lake Dam, located in Comanche, Oklahoma, is a concrete structure built in 1936 by the U.S.


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Summary

Forest Service for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond. The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 381 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 439 acre-feet. It is situated on the West Cache Creek and is owned and regulated by the Fish and Wildlife Service, with inspections and operations also handled by the same agency.

Although the dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment in 2015 indicated poor conditions, posing potential risks to the surrounding area. The spillway, with a width of 270 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate). Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years, and there are no Emergency Action Plans in place as of the last inspection date in 2015.

As a key feature in the management of water resources in the region, the French Lake Dam serves as a critical point for maintaining water levels and supporting wildlife habitats. Its historical significance, combined with its current condition and risk assessment, highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of the dam and surrounding environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

381

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

WEST CACHE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

30.8

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

13.6

Nid Storage

439

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. 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

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, 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.