The Lake of the Arbuckles is a reservoir located in southern Oklahoma, southwest of Sulphur in Murray County. The lake covers and is a principal water supply reservoir for the city of Ardmore, some to the southwest. It also supplies water to the cities of Sulphur, Davis, Wynnewood and a large oil refinery near Wynnewood. The lake also provides flood control, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.
Project timeline
During the early 1950s, a drought seriously depleted then-existing water supplies for the cities and towns in the Arbuckle area. Bureau of Reclamation representatives began meeting in 1956 with local officials about the feasibility of an Arbuckle water project. The proposed project was supported by the Oklahoma Congressional delegation. The Bureau prepared a preliminary development plan in 1961. Public Law 87-594, approved August 24, 1962 authorized the Arbuckle Project. The final development plan was completed in 1964. A contract to construct Arbuckle Dam was awarded June 9, 1964, and completed June 30, 1966. The project also incorporated certain other infrastructure. These included an aqueduct and pumping system to supply water to area customers, The contract for this construction was awarded August 27, 1965, and the work was completed in 1968. The Bureau turned over the operation and maintenance responsibilities to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District on January 1, 1968.
Description of dam and lake
Arbuckle Dam, creating Lake of the Arbuckles, was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation on Rock Creek. at the confluence of Buckhorn, Guy Sandy, and Rock Creeks. The lake is very scenic, nestled within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The dam is constructed of earth fill, with a volume of.Its height is and crest length is. The total capacity of the lake at elevation is.The conservation capacity is at elevation. The surface area at the maximum elevation is.
The Arbuckle project included a pumping station downstream from the dam and a pipeline to deliver water to Davis and Wynnewood. The pipeline diameter ranges from to.
Recreation
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has rated the lake as the best for bass fishing in the state. The lake features 36 miles of shoreline. Fishing is permitted year-round for crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, white bass and bluegill. Facilities include three campgrounds for tents and RVs, picnic areas, public restrooms and boat docks and ramps. There are of land available for recreational use adjacent to the reservoir. The recreational area is managed by the National Park Service, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation provides wildlife management.
