Chiles Chester Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Chiles Chester, located in Union City, Oklahoma, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1956 for recreational purposes along the Tall Bear Canyon.


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Summary

This dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 180 acre-feet. With a surface area of 13 acres, Chiles Chester serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Chiles Chester has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in good condition. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water release. While it has not been inspected since 2010, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its age, Chiles Chester continues to provide a valuable recreational resource for the community and visitors to enjoy.

As a part of the Tulsa District in Oklahoma, Chiles Chester offers a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty of nature and engage in outdoor activities. With its scenic location along the Tall Bear Canyon and well-maintained facilities, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of responsible water management and the preservation of natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TALL BEAR CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.