Lake Patricia Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Patricia Dam, located in Pulaski County, Arkansas, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1946, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 197 acre-feet. The dam, situated on McHenry Creek Tributary, covers a surface area of 14.4 acres and services a drainage area of 0.2 square miles.

Managed by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC), Lake Patricia Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. Although the condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated," the dam's hazard potential is considered significant. Despite lacking certain emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, the dam has not been modified since its completion and has not experienced any major incidents. With its picturesque location in the city of Little Rock, Lake Patricia Dam is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors looking to enjoy the recreational opportunities provided by the reservoir.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

552

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

MC HENRY CREEK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.4

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

197

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.