Tom Steed Reservoir
Encyclopedia
Created in 1975, Tom Steed Reservoir is a reservoir
in Kiowa County
, Oklahoma
, 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of the city of Snyder, Oklahoma
. The reservoir is approximately 6400 acres (26 km²) of water created by damming West Otter Creek and diverting flows of Elk Creek through the Bretch Diversion Canal by Mountain Park Dam
. Tom Steed Reservoir is the main feature of the Mountain Park Project of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides municipal and industrial water to the cities of Snyder
, Altus
, and Frederick
, as well as the Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation administers 5,150 acres (21 km²) of the west and north side of the reservoir area. Waterfowl and dove are plentiful, and other upland game species are increasing as more food and cover are developed. An extensive tree and shrub planting program continues to increase wildlife habitat. The reservoir is one of the best fishing areas in southwest Oklahoma, offering catfish, crappie, largemouth black bass, and other varieties.
Reservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
in Kiowa County
Kiowa County, Oklahoma
Kiowa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 10,227. Its county seat is Hobart.-Geography:According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of . is land and is water....
, Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
, 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of the city of Snyder, Oklahoma
Snyder, Oklahoma
Snyder is a city in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,394 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Snyder is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, Snyder has a total area of , all of it land....
. The reservoir is approximately 6400 acres (26 km²) of water created by damming West Otter Creek and diverting flows of Elk Creek through the Bretch Diversion Canal by Mountain Park Dam
Mountain Park Dam
Mountain Park Dam is located just upstream of Snyder Dam, on Otter Creek near Mountain Park, Oklahoma. Snyder Lake was drained to accommodate construction of Mountain Park Dam, then restored upon completion of construction, which was performed by O'Neal Construction, Inc. of Ann Arbor, MI...
. Tom Steed Reservoir is the main feature of the Mountain Park Project of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides municipal and industrial water to the cities of Snyder
Snyder, Oklahoma
Snyder is a city in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,394 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Snyder is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, Snyder has a total area of , all of it land....
, Altus
Altus, Oklahoma
Altus is a city in Jackson County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 19,813 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Jackson County....
, and Frederick
Frederick, Oklahoma
Frederick is a city in Tillman County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 3,940 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Tillman County. This is an agriculture based community primarily with wheat, cotton, and cattle....
, as well as the Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area.
Dam
Mountain Park Dam is located just upstream of Snyder Dam, on Otter Creek near Mountain Park, Oklahoma. A thin double-curvature concrete arch flanked by concrete thrust blocks, Mountain Park Dam is 535 feet (163 m) in length with a maximum structural height of 133 feet (41 m). This dam and the rolled earth East and West Dike embankments, which extend 10,311 and 13,235 feet (3143 and 4034 m), respectively, form the Tom Steed Reservoir. The reservoir has a total capacity of 117825 acre.ft, an active capacity of 109276 acre.ft, and a surface area at the top of conservation pool of approximately 6,400 acres (26 km²).Recreation and wildlife
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department administers 6,100 acres (25 km²) on the east and south shores of the reservoir. Public recreation facilities on the east side include shelters, tables, grills, a comfort station, a boat launching ramp, and a swimming beach. The area south of the dam along Otter Creek offers picnic facilities and a bridge across the creek which leads to a nature trail through large cottonwood, ash, elm, walnut, and pecan trees.The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation administers 5,150 acres (21 km²) of the west and north side of the reservoir area. Waterfowl and dove are plentiful, and other upland game species are increasing as more food and cover are developed. An extensive tree and shrub planting program continues to increase wildlife habitat. The reservoir is one of the best fishing areas in southwest Oklahoma, offering catfish, crappie, largemouth black bass, and other varieties.