Lake Elmer Thomas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Elmer Thomas Dam, located in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Army.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1993, this gravity-type dam stands at 113 feet high and spans 421 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 11,800 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Lake Elmer Thomas Dam is for fish and wildlife conservation, with secondary benefits including recreational opportunities.

With a spillway width of 341 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 25,516 cubic feet per second, the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in September 2018. The dam has undergone modifications in 2007, 2012, and 2015 to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam is inspected every three years to assess its safety and functionality. Overall, Lake Elmer Thomas Dam serves as an important water resource for the surrounding area and a key component in managing water flow along Little Medicine Creek.

Years Modified

2007 - Other, 2012 - Other, 2015 - Structural

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

421

Dam Height

103

River Or Stream

LITTLE MEDICINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

342

Hydraulic Height

103

Drainage Area

7.1

Nid Storage

11800

Structural Height

113

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

113
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.