Broken Bow City Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Broken Bow City Lake, located in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, is a pristine water resource nestled along Yashoo Creek.


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Summary

This private lake, completed in 1953, serves as a recreational haven with a surface area of 45 acres and a normal storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. With a gravity dam standing at 30 feet tall and a controlled spillway, the lake boasts a maximum discharge of 2653 cubic feet per second and a hazard potential rated as high.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Broken Bow City Lake poses a very high risk (1) due to its location and design. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, ensuring that inspections, permitting, and enforcement are in place for the safety of the surrounding community. With emergency action plans in place and an emergency contact protocol, this water resource is well-prepared for any unforeseen events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Broken Bow City Lake offers a blend of natural beauty and engineering marvel that is worth exploring and protecting for future generations.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

284

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

YASHOO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

45

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

15.8

Nid Storage

563

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

30
       
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.