Cushing Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cushing Lake, located in Yale, Payne County, Oklahoma, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for water supply purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam structure stands at 48 feet in height and stretches 1320 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 7050 acre-feet and a surface area of 591 acres. The lake is fed by Big Creek and serves as a critical source of water for the surrounding area.
Despite its importance, Cushing Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being assessed as unsatisfactory. The dam's inspection frequency is set at once a year, with the latest assessment conducted in December 2021. The risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, underscoring the need for effective risk management measures to ensure the safety and reliability of the structure. The dam is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
As a climate and water resource enthusiast, Cushing Lake presents a fascinating case study in dam management and the intersection of infrastructure, water supply, and environmental risk. The challenges faced in maintaining this critical water source highlight the complex dynamics involved in balancing water resource management with infrastructure safety and regulatory compliance. The ongoing efforts to address the dam's unsatisfactory condition and high hazard potential underscore the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
1320 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
591 |
Hydraulic Height |
48 |
Drainage Area |
31.29 |
Nid Storage |
7050 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
488cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
12cfs |
Deep Fork At Warwick
|
24cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
459cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
4160cfs |
Cottonwood Creek Near Seward
|
66cfs |
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.
Cushing Lake