Wister Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gaither Kerr Foundation
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wister Dam, also known as Wister Lake, is a vital federal infrastructure located in Le Flore County, Oklahoma.
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Summary
Completed in 1949 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at 99 feet tall and stretches 5700 feet long, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 51,589 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 427,481 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction for the Poteau River watershed, but also supports water supply and other functions.
Despite being classified as a high hazard potential dam, Wister Dam has undergone a recent risk assessment by USACE, which deemed the risk level as moderate. The main concern lies in water seepage along the earthen embankment, potentially leading to erosion and breach. In the event of a failure, catastrophic flooding downstream would impact areas such as Wister, Poteau, and neighboring counties in both Oklahoma and Arkansas. To manage and reduce this risk, USACE is implementing various measures including a Dam Safety Modification Study, emergency exercises, EAP updates, and regular inspections with a focus on maintaining the dam's integrity and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Overall, Wister Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water resource management for the region. With proactive risk management measures in place, including ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts, the dam continues to safeguard communities and support sustainable water management practices in the face of potential natural disasters and climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
5700 |
Dam Height |
99 |
River Or Stream |
POTEAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6745 |
Hydraulic Height |
95 |
Drainage Area |
993 |
Nid Storage |
427481 |
Structural Height |
99 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
99 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Poteau River At Loving
|
113cfs |
Poteau River Near Panama
|
483cfs |
Black Fork Below Big Creek Nr Page
|
4cfs |
Kiamichi River Near Big Cedar
|
27cfs |
James Fork Near Hackett
|
32cfs |
Poteau River At Cauthron
|
111cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Below the Dam - Lake Wister State Park
Quarry Island - Lake Wister State Park
Wards Landing - Lake Wister State Park
Victor Area - Lake Wister State Park
Cedar Lake Recreation Area
Wister Dam