Pensacola is a multi-arch dam located in Mayes County, Oklahoma, built in 1940. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 155 ft155 ft tall and 6,565 ft long, taller than 99% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against the Statue of Liberty, 305 ft ground to torch; the profile is a generic arch section and the water level is illustrative.
About Pensacola
The primary purpose of Pensacola is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Grand River Dam Authority (state). It impounds the Neosho near Salina.
The dam stands 155 feet tall and stretches 6,565 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 46,500 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,197,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 10,192 square miles. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/28/2022.
At 155 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Oklahoma dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Mayes |
| Nearest City | Salina |
| River/Stream | Neosho |
| Coordinates | 36.47055, -95.03632 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Multi-Arch |
| NID Height | 155 ft |
| Dam Height | 155 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,565 ft |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,197,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,197,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,630,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 46,500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10,192 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 525,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Grand River Dam Authority |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/28/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OK00135 |
| Federal ID | OK00135 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |