W. D. Mayo Lock and Dam

W. D. Mayo Lock and Dam #14
W. D. Mayo Lock and Dam #14
Country	United States
Location	Oklahoma
Coordinates	35°18′58″N 94°33′32″W / 35.3161°N 94.5589°W
Purpose	Navigation
Status	Complete
Construction began	May, 1966
Operator(s)	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Dam and spillways
Impounds	Arkansas River
Length	7,400 feet (2,300 m)
Reservoir
Active capacity	15768 acre-feet
Surface area	1595 acres
Maximum water depth	10 feet
Normal elevation	413 feet

The W. D. Mayo Lock and Dam (also known as: W. D. Mayo Lock and Dam 14) on the Arkansas River is an integral part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS). The dam is located at navigation mile 319.6, about 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Fort Smith, Arkansas.^[2] It is the first lock and dam west of the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line. It was named for a deceased Sallisaw, Oklahoma businessman who was also a civic leader and champion of fully developing the river.^[1] The number 14 designates this facility as the fourteenth in sequence from the start of MKARNS. It lies in LeFlore and Sequoyah Counties, Oklahoma.^[3]

Facility description

Construction of the lock and dam began in May, 1966, and closure was completed on October 15, 1970. It became operational for navigation in December, 1970.^[1] The dam is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.^[4]

The surface area of the upper pool is 1,595 acres (6.45 km²) and the capacity is 15,800 acre-feet (19,500,000 m³). The drainage area above the dam site is 148,084 square miles (383,540 km²).^[3]

The 7,400 foot (2,300 m)-long dam consists of a low concrete apron and sill surmounted by tainter gates separated by 10 feet (3.0 m) concrete piers. The gates are operated with machinery constructed on the piers. Twelve 60 feet (18 m) by 21 feet (6.4 m) tainter gates are provided for the structure.^[1]

The lock has a 110 feet (34 m) by 600 feet (180 m) chamber of the single-lift type with miter gates. The lock has a 20 feet (6.1 m) normal lift and 22 feet (6.7 m) maximum lift.^[1]

Recreation

Three areas on the lake shoreline have been developed specifically for boat ramps and lake access. These are: Arkoma Park, LeFlore Landing, and Wilson's Rock. No other facilities are available at these boat ramps.^[4]

Other activities at W.D. Mayo Lock and Dam include boating, camping, picnicking, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, and wildlife viewing. Pets are allowed.^[4]