Happy Valley Lake Dam dam
Happy Valley Lake Dam
Happy Valley Lake Dam, located in Ferndale, Arkansas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes. Completed in 1960, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. Situated on Ferndale Creek, the dam boasts a low hazard potential and is considered to be in moderate condition.
Despite not being regulated by the state, Happy Valley Lake Dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based recreational activities. With its uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 494 cubic feet per second, the dam offers a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and other leisure activities. The surrounding area, with its tranquil waters and scenic views, attracts visitors looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Although not currently rated for condition assessment, the dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures. Emergency preparedness protocols, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), are yet to be established for Happy Valley Lake Dam, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and integrity of this vital water resource in Saline, Arkansas.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Happy Valley Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Maumelle River At Maumelle Dam At Natural Steps | · | → |
| Lake Maumelle At State Hwy 10 Near Wye | 293 cfs | → |
| Rock Creek At 36th Street At Little Rock | 96 cfs | → |
| Saline River At Benton | 360 cfs | → |
| Maumelle River At Williams Junction | 19 cfs | → |
| Alum Fork Saline River Near Reform | 178 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Happy Valley Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Happy Valley Lake Dam
Where does the data for Happy Valley Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.