Wes Watkins Reservoir is a reservoir located in Pottawatomie County in central Oklahoma, United States, between Oklahoma City and Shawnee (in the center of McLoud). Its primary use is recreation, especially camping and fishing.
| Wes Watkins Reservoir | |
|---|---|
Wes Watkins Reservoir Wes Watkins Reservoir | |
| Location | Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, US |
| Coordinates | 35°24′15″N 97°7′10″W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | North Deer Creek |
| Primary outflows | North Deer Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,142 acres (5 km2) |
| Settlements | McLoud, Oklahoma |
Wes Watkins Reservoir was opened to the public in August 1999 and is considered a relatively young reservoir. The 1,142-acre (5 km2) lake is operated by the City of McLoud as of July 1, 2010. It was formerly managed by Pottawatomie County Development Authority.[1]
The reservoir was named in honor of former Oklahoma Congressman Wes Watkins. It was initially known as North Deer Creek Lake.[2]
The Shawnee city commissioners approved the transfer of Wes Watkins Reservoir recreational operations and management to the city of McLoud, beginning July 1, 2010.[3]
Its drainage area is 38.5 square miles.[4] According to a report by Camp, Dresser & McKee (CDM), the normal capacity of the reservoir is 13,993 acre-feet (17,260,000 m3).[5]