Okemah Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buckeye Cattle Co Oknoname 107010
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Okemah Lake, located in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1962 by SPITZ AND PHELPS, this earth dam stands at 60 feet high and spans 1200 feet, creating a storage capacity of 26,200 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 761 acres and is fed by Buckeye Creek, with a drainage area of 20.44 square miles.
This controlled spillway dam has a spillway width of 4 feet and is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Although the dam is considered to have a high hazard potential, its condition is assessed as fair, with the last inspection conducted in November 2020. Okemah Lake plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
With a very high risk assessment rating, Okemah Lake serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and water storage in the area. Its emergency action plan ensures preparedness for potential risks, while ongoing inspections and maintenance activities help to ensure its structural integrity. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Okemah Lake in safeguarding the community against flooding underscores the critical role of resilient infrastructure in adapting to the challenges of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
BUCKEYE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
761 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
20.44 |
Nid Storage |
26200 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Deep Fork Near Beggs
|
99cfs |
North Canadian River Near Wetumka
|
172cfs |
North Canadian River At Shawnee
|
409cfs |
Canadian River At Calvin
|
347cfs |
Deep Fork At Warwick
|
25cfs |
Little River Near Sasakwa
|
9cfs |
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.
Okemah Lake