Lake of the Arbuckles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake of the Arbuckles |
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Arbuckle Dam and Reservoir
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 Lake of the Arbuckles
Location in Oklahoma
Lake of the Arbuckles
Location in the United States
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| Location | Murray County, Oklahoma, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°26′01″N 097°01′40″W / 34.43361°N 97.02778°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Buckhorn, Guy Sandy, and Rock Creeks |
| Primary outflows | Rock Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 3,127 acres (1,265 ha) (max.), 2,350 acres (950 ha) (normal) |
| Water volume | 108,839 acre⋅ft (134.251 hm3) at elevation 885.3 ft (269.8 m) (maximum) |
| Shore length1 | 36 mi (58 km) |
| Settlements | Sulphur, Ardmore, Wynnewood |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The Lake of the Arbuckles is a large reservoir (a man-made lake) located in southern Oklahoma. It's about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Sulphur in Murray County. This lake covers about 2,350 acres (950 hectares). It's very important because it provides drinking water for cities like Ardmore, Sulphur, Davis, and Wynnewood. The lake also helps control floods, provides a home for fish and wildlife, and offers many fun activities.
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Building the Lake: A Quick Look
In the early 1950s, the area around the Arbuckle Mountains faced a serious drought. This meant there wasn't enough water for cities and towns. To solve this problem, officials started planning a new water project in 1956.
The idea for the Arbuckle Project was supported by Oklahoma's representatives in Congress. The plan was approved in 1962. Construction on the main dam, called Arbuckle Dam, began in 1964 and finished in 1966. Other parts of the project, like pipes and pumps to deliver water, were completed by 1968.
Since January 1, 1968, the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District has been in charge of running and taking care of the lake and its water systems.
About Arbuckle Dam and the Lake
Arbuckle Dam is what created the Lake of the Arbuckles. It was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation on Rock Creek, where it meets Buckhorn and Guy Sandy Creeks. The lake is very beautiful and is located inside the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
The dam is made of earth and is about 150 feet (46 meters) high. Its top part is about 2,700 feet (823 meters) long.
When the lake is at its highest level, it can hold about 108,839 acre-feet (134.2 million cubic meters) of water. Its surface area at this maximum level is about 3,127 acres (12.65 square kilometers).
How Water Gets to Cities
The Arbuckle Project also included a pumping station below the dam. From there, a pipeline about 17.9 miles (28.8 km) long carries water to the cities of Davis and Wynnewood. This pipeline has different sizes, from 10 inches (25 cm) to 27 inches (69 cm) wide.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
The Lake of the Arbuckles is known as one of the best places for fishing in Oklahoma, especially for bass! The lake has 36 miles (58 km) of shoreline, which is great for exploring.
You can fish all year round for different types of fish, including:
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Largemouth bass
- White bass
- Bluegill
The lake area also has many facilities for visitors:
- Three campgrounds for tents and RVs
- Picnic areas for outdoor meals
- Public restrooms
- Boat docks and ramps for easy access to the water
There are about 3,400 acres (13.76 square kilometers) of land next to the lake that are open for recreational use. The National Park Service manages these areas, making sure everyone can enjoy them safely. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation helps manage the wildlife around the lake.
