Lake Nixon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Nixon Dam, located in Pulaski, Arkansas, is a privately owned structure designed for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1946, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 246 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 238 acre-feet. With a surface area of 6.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.55 square miles, the dam regulates McHenry Creek Tributary and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1208 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Lake Nixon Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, its condition has not been rated. The last inspection conducted on September 22, 2015, revealed no major issues, but further assessments are needed to ensure the safety of the structure. With its picturesque setting and recreational offerings, Lake Nixon Dam serves as a vital resource for water and climate enthusiasts in the Little Rock area.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

246

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

MC HENRY CREEK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.55

Nid Storage

238

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.