Bluestem Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oknoname 113112 Oknoname 113114
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Bluestem Lake, located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is a picturesque water resource managed by the local government for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam, constructed in 1958 by V.V. Long & Company, stands at a height of 74 feet and has a hydraulic height of 74 feet. The earth dam, built on a rock foundation, spans 900 feet and has a storage capacity of 35,800 acre-feet.
With a surface area of 860 acres and a drainage area of 46.8 square miles, Bluestem Lake is fed by Middle Bird Creek and has a maximum discharge capacity of 56,000 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently rated in fair condition with a risk assessment indicating a very high risk level. Regular inspections and enforcement by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for both recreational users and the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
74 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE BIRD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
860 |
Hydraulic Height |
74 |
Drainage Area |
46.8 |
Nid Storage |
35800 |
Structural Height |
87 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
87 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hominy Creek Near Hominy
|
2cfs |
Caney R Nr Elgin
|
33cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
4160cfs |
Bird Creek At Avant
|
7cfs |
Caney River Above Coon Creek At Bartlesville
|
63cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
12cfs |
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.
Bluestem Lake