History of the dam.

Wintersmith Lake Dam or Ada City Dam was built in 1907 as a water supply for the local cement company. It has a notch in the top of the apron and two small outlet tunnels at the bottom. The dam had a control house for opening the floodgates which has been removed. The dam and the lake were considered too small for use by the cement company after they tapped into wells. Those same wells are used to supply Ada's water today.

After the lake was abandoned people started fishing in it. A man by the name of Francis Wintersmith discovered the lake and decided to form a recreational park around it. The park was formed around 1935 and has since been a famous local attraction for the citizens of Ada and even surrounding small towns.

The problem.

The problem with Wintersmith Lake Dam is it has been damaged from age and neglect. There are several cracks along the apron mainly on the right side towards the emergency spillway. Other damages reside on the toe which is at the bottom of the dam. The toe was put in to prevent water from eroding the bedrock holding the dam in place. The toe has failed and now the dam is at risk of failure as well.

How to fix it.

The main focus of the repairs should be towards the toe. Without the toe repaired the dam could fail completely and could even possibly collapse under the right conditions. After the toe is repaired the focus should be directed towards the apron. Most if not all seems and cracks should be patched.

Why fix it?

Wintersmith Lake Dam is a big part of the history of Ada Oklahoma. Its also a critical structure to Wintersmith Lake. If a collapse or failure were to occur several species would lose a home. Ducks, beavers, geese, fish, and other animals would be displaced or perish. Anyone walking along the trail that goes ahead of the dam would be at risk. Other historical structures ahead of the dam would be damaged.

What can we do?

Simply sign the petition to help push the City of Ada into taking proper care of this critical historic structure.