Meet The "Other" Mystery Dam on Lake Texoma




Let's face it, Lake Texoma is big. It's so big that there are many different "neighborhoods" to explore, whether you're just visiting the lake or seriously looking for a lake place to call your own. Although the Denison Dam is well known as the primary reason the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas swelled into the lake we all love today, there is actually another dam, or so it's rumored. Our mystery dam has a neighborhood all its own. But, first things first. The Denison Dam was built during the second world war, completed in 1944, and at that time it was the largest earth-filled dam in America. It eventually lost that status (now it's number 12) but it serves as flood control as well as a hydro-electric power generator, and, as many fisherman will tell you, a great place to fish. The Denison Dam is accessed by Highway 91, off Highway 75 at Denison, Texas. So, where is that other, mystery dam on Lake Texoma located? Actually, the Army Corps of Engineers calls it a levee, not a dam. But fisherman call it a dam, hence the confusion. And it's really two levees (dams) not one, just to confuse the issue a little more. The Cumberland Levee North and the Cumberland Levee South are located at the far north end of Lake Texoma, off Hwy 78, west of Fort Washita in Bryan County, Oklahoma. They control flooding in the area, which the Corps describes as "high risk," and serve as a significant component of the flood control purposes of Lake Texoma, augmenting the larger purposes of the Denison Dam. There's a little town called Cumberland that is located west of Lake Texoma in Marshall County, Oklahoma, in the general area as well. And, the partially restored ruins of old Fort Washita, unused since the Civil War period, are maintained by the Oklahoma Historical Society and open to the public, east of the levees. So, there you have it. You are in the know regarding the "other" dam on Lake Texoma. Don't let anyone (except the Army Corps of Engineers of course) tell you that there's only one dam on Lake Texoma. Now you know better!




Tell us what you think!

Texas and Oklahoma's Premier Dock and Accessories Company: Sales, Installation, Repairs, & Maintenance

Lake Texoma Email Updates


 

Visit our Lake Texoma Sponsors!

Lake Texoma on Social Media

 
       

Lake Texoma Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Lake Texoma Weather Forecast

Saturday

Severe Tstms

Hi: 87

Saturday Night

Severe Tstms

Lo: 69

Sunday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 84

Sunday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 73

Monday

Rain Showers Likely

Hi: 82

Monday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 69

Tuesday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 80

Tuesday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 62


Lake Texoma Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 5/17: 633.48 (+16.48)



Lake Texoma

Fishing Report from TPWD (May 14)

FAIR. Water stained; 65 degrees; 18.09 feet below pool. Channel and blue catfishing has fired off in the murky flooded waters of Lake Texoma. Flooded willows and rocks in 5-15 feet of water with prepared baits or shad for numbers and good size fish. The striper fishing is inconsistent, dependent on chasing the clear water and each other until things settle. The fish will also move up shallow and in to the trees if we continue to stay at these levels with warmer water temps. Clear water is key and we don’t have any of that right now.Report by Jacob Orr, Lake Texoma, Guaranteed Guide Service. The water clarity is super muddy with lots of floating debris. Check ramp status before heading out. Striped bass are hit-or-miss depending on the wind and the ability to find clean water. Target clear water with slabs and swimbaits. Shad are still spawning along the banks. Report by John Blasingame, Adventure Texoma Outdoors.

More Fishing Reports