Broken Bow Lake water level: how to check it and what it means for your trip

Broken Bow Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, which means the water level moves on a schedule, not a whim. Knowing where the lake sits before you drive in will tell you which boat ramps work, where the swim coves are, and whether the cliff-jumping spots are deep enough to jump.

Normal pool is 599.5 feet above sea level. Below 596, the shallower ramps (Carson Creek, Stevens Gap) start exposing rock and trailer scrapes get expensive. Above 602, the lake is in flood control and some shoreline beaches disappear. Most of the year you'll see 597–601.

Where to check: the US Army Corps Tulsa District lake-data page lists Broken Bow Lake's elevation, updated daily. Search 'USACE Broken Bow Lake elevation' and the top result is the live gauge. Save the link before your trip.

What changes with the level:

Low (596 and below): the deeper ramps — Beaver Lodge and the main marina ramps near the dam — stay open. Skip the secondary ramps. The cove beaches expand, which is great for swimming with kids. Cliff-jumping spots near the dam may be too shallow; don't risk it.

Normal (597–601): everything works. All ramps open, all swim coves usable, cliff jumping safe at the marked spots.

High (602+): some campground sites flood, some beaches go underwater, and the Corps may release water from the dam on a schedule. Mountain Fork River below the dam runs faster and colder — great for kayaking, harder for tubing.

Releases below the dam are the other thing to watch. The Corps schedules water releases for hydropower and downstream needs; when they're releasing, the river is high and fast. The Beavers Bend State Park trout-fishing area below the dam posts the daily release schedule.

If you're booked with us, just text Meredith — we keep an eye on it and tell you what's open the week of your stay.