Dawson Lake Dam, located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, was completed in 1950 and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure for the area.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
544cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
11cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
489cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
1820cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Deep Fork At Warwick
|
23cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake McMurtry East
|
||
Lake McMurtry West
|
||
Catfish Cove
|
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Lake Carl Blackwell
|