Wister Dam
Key Takeaway
Wister Dam is classified as high hazard in Oklahoma. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 99 ft (taller than 99.5% in OK) |
| Dam Length | 5,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 427.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 51.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,745 acres |
| Drainage Area | 993 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 170,910 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | OK10315 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - Tulsa District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wister Dam?
Wister Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Wister Dam?
Wister Dam is owned by USACE - Tulsa District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wister Dam built?
Wister Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Wister Dam?
Wister Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Wister Dam?
Wister Dam has a dam height of 99 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Wister Dam last inspected?
Wister Dam was last inspected on June 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.