Tom Steed Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tom Steed Reservoir |
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(June 2007)
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 Tom Steed Reservoir
Location in Oklahoma
Tom Steed Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kiowa County, Oklahoma |
| Coordinates | 34°46′N 98°59′W / 34.76°N 98.99°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | West Otter Creek |
| Primary outflows | West Otter Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 6,400 acres (2,600 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 1,407 ft (429 m) |
| Settlements | Snyder, Oklahoma |
Tom Steed Reservoir is a big lake in Kiowa County, Oklahoma. It was created in 1975. You can find it about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Snyder, Oklahoma. The closest town is Mountain Park, Oklahoma, which is about 3 miles (5 km) away.
This reservoir was made by building a dam across West Otter Creek. Water from Elk Creek is also sent into the reservoir through a special canal. Tom Steed Reservoir is a key part of the Mountain Park Project. It provides drinking water and water for businesses to cities like Snyder, Altus, and Frederick. It also supplies water to the Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area, which is a place for animals.
Building the Dam
The Mountain Park Dam helps create Tom Steed Reservoir. This dam is located on Otter Creek, close to Mountain Park, Oklahoma. It is a special type of concrete dam that curves.
The dam is 535 feet (163 meters) long. Its tallest part is 133 feet (41 meters) high. Along with the dam, there are two long dirt walls called dikes. These dikes are 10,311 feet (3,143 meters) and 13,235 feet (4,034 meters) long.
All these structures together form the Tom Steed Reservoir. The reservoir can hold a lot of water. It has a surface area of about 6,400 acres (26 square kilometers). The water level is about 1,407 feet (429 meters) above sea level.
Fun Activities and Wildlife
Tom Steed Reservoir is a great place for outdoor fun and seeing wildlife.
Recreation at the Lake
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department manages parts of the reservoir. On the east and south sides, there are places for visitors. You can find picnic shelters, tables, and grills. There are also restrooms, a boat ramp, and a swimming beach.
South of the dam, along Otter Creek, you can enjoy more picnic spots. A bridge crosses the creek, leading to a nature trail. This trail goes through a forest with large cottonwood, ash, elm, walnut, and pecan trees.
Wildlife and Fishing
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation looks after the west and north sides of the reservoir. This area is important for many animals. You can often see waterfowl like ducks and geese, and doves. Other animals that live on land are also increasing here.
Workers are planting many trees and shrubs. This helps create more homes and food for the wildlife. The reservoir is also one of the best places to fish in southwest Oklahoma. You can catch catfish, crappie, largemouth black bass, and other types of fish.
Great Plains State Park is also located right on the shore of Tom Steed Reservoir.
