Catfish Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thompson Lake Dam Omni Lake No 2 Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Catfish Lake Dam, located in Lonoke, Arkansas, is a private earth dam completed in 1971 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 27 feet and a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet, the dam sits on the Jacksnipe Branch river and covers a surface area of 15.7 acres. The dam is under state regulation by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its safety and integrity.
Despite its low hazard potential, Catfish Lake Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the community in Ward, Arkansas. The dam's construction on the Jacksnipe Branch river has created a serene lake environment for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The dam's infrastructure, including a spillway and outlet gates, ensures proper water management and safety in case of emergencies.
Although not rated for its condition, Catfish Lake Dam remains a vital water resource for the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 960 cubic feet per second. The dam's importance for recreation and water management highlights the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
JACKSNIPE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Catfish Lake Dam