THE CANTON DAM PROJECT: AN INVESTIGATION OF CHANGES IN THE NORTH CANADIAN RIVER IN DEWEY AND BLAINE COUNTIES, OKLAHOMA, 1941-2004

The purpose of this project was to determine the changes that have occurred in the North Canadian River in Dewey and Blaine counties, Oklahoma since the construction of Canton Dam in 1948. Dams along the North Canadian River are in place to aid in water management and the prevention of flooding. In Blaine County, Oklahoma, Canton Dam provides recreation in Canton Lake, protects from flooding, and supplies Oklahoma City with water for Lakes Hefner and Overholser.

Four methods were used to research the changes along the North Canadian River since Canton Dam was constructed. Method one utilized the "Stream Reach Inventory and Channel Stability Evaluation" provided by the United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service to determine the stability of the river. Method two involved interviewing local individuals who have worked and lived around the North Canadian River for 30-65 years. Method three used aerial photos from 1941 and 1995 to compare the changes in the river downstream from Canton Dam. Method four consisted of hiring a pilot and flying over the North Canadian River to take present day colored aerial photos.

The results of the four methods indicate that changes have occurred along the North Canadian River. The changes do seem to be indicative of changes that normally occur when a river system is interrupted by a dam indicating that measures should be taken to counter the effects of Canton Dam on the North Canadian River.