Located in Kay, Oklahoma, Ponca Lake is a vital water supply reservoir constructed in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
Wind
Humidity
The dam, standing at a height of 67 feet, serves the primary purpose of water supply for the local government of Ponca City. With a storage capacity of 23,700 acre-feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 1,159 acres and has a drainage area of 27.7 square miles, fed by Turkey Creek.
Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), Ponca Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with regular inspections and emergency action plans in place. The risk assessment for Ponca Lake indicates a very high risk level, underscoring the importance of effective risk management measures to safeguard this critical water resource for the community.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
5000 |
Dam Height |
67 |
River Or Stream |
TURKEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1159 |
Hydraulic Height |
67 |
Drainage Area |
27.7 |
Nid Storage |
23700 |
Structural Height |
67 |
Outlet Gates |
Bascule - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
67 |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
216cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
444cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
4230cfs |
Arkansas R At Arkansas City
|
835cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
12cfs |
Walnut R At Winfield
|
312cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Ponca
|
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McFadden Cove - Kaw Lake
|
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Coon Creek Cove - Kaw Lake
|
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Osage Cove - Kaw Lake
|
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Bear Creek Cove - Kaw Lake
|
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Washunga Bay - Kaw Lake
|