Northwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Northwood Lake Dam, located in Piedmont, Oklahoma, is a privately owned structure designed by Benham Engineering and completed in 1961.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 42 feet, serves as a recreational spot with a storage capacity of 2700 acre-feet of water from Deer Creek. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 190 acres and a drainage area of 11.92 square miles.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Northwood Lake Dam has a controlled spillway and a slide outlet gate for water release. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. With a risk assessment rating of very high, the dam poses potential risks that warrant careful monitoring and management measures.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Northwood Lake Dam an intriguing structure due to its historical significance, engineering design, and recreational benefits. As a vital component of the local water infrastructure, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing a scenic environment for outdoor activities in the Canadian County area of Oklahoma.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

2665

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

DEER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

190

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

11.92

Nid Storage

2700

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.