Dawson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Dawson Lake Dam, located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, was completed in 1950 and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure for the area.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam stands at 15 feet high with a length of 850 feet, and has a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is primarily an earth type with stone core and soil foundations, designed by unknown designers.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the dam undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from flooding events. Despite its age, the dam's condition has not been officially rated, but it continues to function as intended.

The tributary of West Brush Creek is controlled by the dam’s spillway, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1450 cubic feet per second. The dam has a single valve outlet gate and a controlled spillway type. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its emergency action plan status and risk assessment are areas of improvement. Dawson Lake Dam remains an essential structure for flood management in the Payne County area, ensuring the safety and security of the local residents and resources.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF WEST BRUSH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.