Lock And Dam No 8 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lock and Dam No 8, located on the Ouachita River in Union County, Arkansas, is a gravity dam completed in 1911 primarily for navigation purposes.
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Summary
With a dam height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, this structure plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels for efficient navigation along the river. The dam has a storage capacity of 85,000 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 59,200 acre-feet, and is capable of discharging up to 6,500 cubic feet per second.
Despite being over a century old, Lock and Dam No 8 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and has not been inspected since January 1990. While it may not be a high-risk structure, the importance of regular inspections and maintenance cannot be understated to ensure the continued safe operation of Lock and Dam No 8. As a federally-owned structure, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Vicksburg District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lock and Dam No 8 serves as a reminder of the vital infrastructure that supports navigation and water management along rivers like the Ouachita. Its historical significance, coupled with its ongoing role in facilitating transportation and flood control, underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water systems, structures like Lock and Dam No 8 will play a crucial role in adapting to and mitigating the effects of a changing climate on our water resources.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
334 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
OUACHITA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
85000 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smackover Creek Near Smackover
|
112cfs |
Little Corney Bayou Near Lillie
|
347cfs |
Ouachita River At Camden
|
5040cfs |
Moro Creek Near Fordyce
|
1580cfs |
Saline River Near Rye
|
433cfs |
Chemin-A-Haut Byu Nr Beekman
|
27cfs |
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.
Lock And Dam No 8
Moro Bay
Moro Creek
Little Champagnolle Creek