Mcalester Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Talawanda No. 2 Talawanda No. 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mcalester Lake, located in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, is a gravity dam built in 1930 primarily for water supply purposes.
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Summary
With a capacity of 16,170 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,521 acres, the lake provides essential water resources to the local community. The dam stands at a height of 35 feet, with a spillway type of controlled and a spillway width of 4 feet, ensuring safety and efficiency in managing water levels.
Managed by the local government of North McAlester, Mcalester Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Despite being labeled as a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for the dam is rated as very high, emphasizing the importance of thorough risk management measures. With a designated emergency action plan and regular inspections, the lake ensures the safety and well-being of the surrounding area in the event of any unforeseen emergencies related to the dam.
Overall, Mcalester Lake stands as a crucial water resource infrastructure in Oklahoma, providing a reliable water supply to the community while prioritizing safety and risk management. Its strategic location on Bull Creek, managed by the local government and regulated by state agencies, highlights the collaborative efforts in maintaining and safeguarding this essential resource for water and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
BULL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1521 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
16170 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Canadian River At Calvin
|
361cfs |
North Canadian River Near Wetumka
|
209cfs |
Canadian River Near Whitefield
|
1190cfs |
Fourche Maline Near Red Oak
|
1cfs |
Little River Near Sasakwa
|
12cfs |
Kiamichi River Near Clayton
|
182cfs |
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.
Mcalester Lake