Nickles Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nickles is a private earth dam located in Bryan, Oklahoma, near Timber Hill Church.
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Summary
Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 368 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and undergoes periodic inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Nickles poses a very high risk due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water release. While it has not been modified in recent years, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are unclear. With its stone core and soil foundation, Nickles serves as an important water resource for the area and requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety.
In the event of an emergency, contact with relevant authorities may be necessary, although the specifics of the dam's emergency preparedness, including the existence of inundation maps and compliance with guidelines, remain uncertain. Nickles' location along the Cowpen Creek tributary adds to its significance as a recreational spot in the region. With its rich history dating back to the 1970s, Nickles continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of proper infrastructure management in safeguarding our natural resources.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
573 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COWPEN CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Boggy Creek Near Caney
|
423cfs |
Blue River Near Blue
|
58cfs |
Muddy Boggy Creek Near Farris
|
11cfs |
Blue River Near Connerville
|
54cfs |
Muddy Boggy Creek Near Unger
|
150cfs |
Red River At Denison Dam Nr Denison
|
238cfs |
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.
Nickles