The Fort Gibson Dam is a gravity dam on the Grand (Neosho) River in Oklahoma, 5.4mi (9km) north of the town of Fort Gibson. The dam forms Fort Gibson Lake. The primary purposes of the dam and lake are flood control and hydroelectric power production, although supply of drinking water to local communities, as well as recreation, are additional benefits.[4] The project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1941 and construction began the next year. During World War II construction was suspended and it recommenced in May 1946. In June 1949, the river was closed and the entire project was complete in September 1953 with the operation of the last of the power plant's four generators.[5] Rights to construct the project originally belonged to the Grand River Dam Authority, but were seized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1946.[6]
Salient features
Release of floodwater in 2015
Dam
Dam
Type
Concrete gravity
Average Height
90ft (27m)
Crest length
2,850ft (869m)
Concrete
461,300yd3 (352,689m3)
Reinforcing steel
2,655,000lb (1,204,288kg)
Miscellaneous metal works and castings
300,000lb (136,078kg)
Tainter gates
3,120,000lb (1,415,208kg)
Tainter gate anchorages
901,000lb (408,687kg)
Emergency gate guides
160,000lb (72,575kg)
Dikes
Number
3
Type
Rolled earth filled topped by surfaced service roadway
Height
18ft (5m) (max)
Length (Total all dikes)
8,500ft (2,591m)
Width (At top)
16ft (5m)
Elevations (above sea level)
Top of dam
593ft (181m)
Top of gates
582ft (177m)
Spillway crest
547ft (167m)
Top of power pool
554ft (169m)
Flood control pool
582ft (177m)
Spillway
Spillway
Type
Gate-controlled concrete gravity ogee-weir with stilling basin