Bull Shoals Dam, also known as Bull Shoals Lake, is a concrete gravity dam located in Cotter, Baxter County, Arkansas.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1951 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at a height of 256 feet and has a structural height of 282 feet. The primary purpose of Bull Shoals Dam is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits including hydroelectric power generation, recreational opportunities, and water supply for the surrounding area.
With a maximum storage capacity of 5,408,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6,063 square miles, Bull Shoals Dam plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of flooding to downstream communities along the White River. However, despite its successful history, extreme rainfall events can still pose a threat to the area. The US Army Corps of Engineers implements ongoing risk management measures, including regular inspections, maintenance, and monitoring activities, as well as the development and updating of emergency action plans to ensure the dam's integrity and reduce the risk to surrounding communities. Despite the moderate risk assessment, the dam's Emergency Action Plan and Risk Reduction Plan aim to minimize potential life loss in case of unforeseen flooding events.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
2256 |
Dam Height |
256 |
River Or Stream |
WHITE |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
454400 |
Hydraulic Height |
238 |
Drainage Area |
6063 |
Nid Storage |
5408000 |
Structural Height |
282 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
282 |
White River Near Norfork
|
6180cfs |
Buffalo River Near Harriet
|
217cfs |
Bryant Creek Near Tecumseh
|
222cfs |
North Fork River Near Tecumseh
|
394cfs |
Buffalo River Near St. Joe
|
200cfs |
White River At Calico Rock
|
12100cfs |