Buffington Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buffington Lake Dam, located in Saline, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1947.
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Summary
The dam primarily serves a recreational purpose, providing a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating on its 160-acre reservoir. With a height of 18 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, Buffington Lake Dam stands as a significant structure along Dew Drop Creek in the Little Rock District.
Despite its age, Buffington Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a level of risk management measures in place to address potential hazards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has not been subject to recent inspections or condition assessments. While its hazard potential is deemed significant, the dam's overall condition remains unrated. With no state regulation or inspection requirements, Buffington Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of private ownership in maintaining and managing water resources for recreational purposes in the region.
As water enthusiasts explore the beauty of Buffington Lake Dam and its surroundings in Haskell, Arkansas, they can marvel at the dam's structural height of 18 feet and its 1500-foot length. While the dam has not undergone recent modifications or been equipped with outlet gates, its presence along Dew Drop Creek adds to the natural landscape of Saline County. With its historical significance and continued recreational value, Buffington Lake Dam remains a captivating destination for those interested in water resources, climate, and the intersection of human engineering with the environment.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
DEW DROP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Buffington Lake Dam