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Contacts

Oklahoma Lock and Dam Phone numbers:

W. D. Mayo L&D 14.............(918) 962-3481
Robert S. Kerr L&D 15.........(918) 775-2091
Webbers Falls L&D 16.........(918) 489-5987
Chouteau L&D 17................(918) 687-4501
Newt Graham L&D 18..........(918) 543-2216

For additional information concerning Navigation issues contact:

Navigation Project Office
HC 61 BOX 238
SALLISAW OK 74955
Phone: (918) 775-4475

FOR ISSUES REGARDING RECREATION ALONG THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM PLEASE CLICK HERE AND GO TO OUR CONTACT A LAKE PAGE. 

How Locks Operate

 

This figure demonstrates how a typical locking system operates.
The ship in this example approaches from the higher water elevation.
The lock doors and filling valve are closed.
The emptying valve is then opened and the water is forced out of the lock until it reaches its natural elevation.
The lower lock doors are then opened, and the ship proceeds.

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OPERATION

How Navigation Locks Operate

These diagrams show how a ship is lowered in a lock. A ship is raised by reversing the operation. No pumps are required; the water is merely allowed to seek its own level.

                                                    

With both upper gates and lower gates closed, and with the emptying valve closed and the filling valve open, the lock chamber has been filled to the upper level. The upper gates are then opened, allowing the ship to enter the lock chamber.

                                                                         

Now the ship is in the lock chamber. The upper and lower gates and the filling valve are closed. The emptying valve has been opened to allow water to flow from the lock chamber to the lower level.

                                                    

With the water level in the lock chamber down to the lower level, the lower gates have been opened, and the ship is leaving the lock chamber. After this, the lock is ready for an upbound ship to come in and be lifted, or may be filled to lower another downbound ship.