Maertens Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Helmich Lake Dam Meyers Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Maertens Lake Dam, located in Benton, Arkansas, was completed in 1948 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a recreational water resource on Dry Creek Tributary.
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Summary
With a height of 33 feet and a length of 450 feet, this earth dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 132 acre-feet and a normal storage of 89 acre-feet. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, it is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3451 cubic feet per second. The surrounding surface area covers 5.9 acres, with a drainage area of 0.05 square miles. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3) associated with the structure. Maertens Lake Dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, and there is no updated information on emergency contacts or inundation maps.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Maertens Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment. Its history, design features, and ongoing regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the intersection of water infrastructure, environmental conservation, and public safety. As the dam continues to serve its primary purpose for recreation, monitoring its condition and implementing risk management measures will be crucial in ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK TRIB |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
132 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Maertens Lake Dam