Greers Ferry Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Greers Ferry Dam, located on the Little Red River in Heber Springs, Arkansas, is a concrete gravity dam completed in 1962 by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

With a height of 243 feet and a length of 1704 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 2,844,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 31,460 acres, making it a crucial water resource for the region.

Despite the dam's successful history of reducing flood risks to surrounding communities, a risk assessment conducted in 2020 categorized the potential hazards as high due to the possibility of extreme rainfall events or earthquakes causing downstream flooding. To mitigate these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements ongoing inspection, maintenance, and monitoring activities, especially during high water events. Additionally, an Emergency Action Plan is in place to lower the risk of life loss in case of emergencies. The dam's risk management measures also include regular updates to the emergency plan and collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities to ensure preparedness for any flood events affecting the dam.

Greers Ferry Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management and flood control in Arkansas. With its multifaceted benefits and risk management strategies, the dam exemplifies the importance of careful planning and maintenance in safeguarding water resources and communities against potential hazards.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1704

Dam Height

243

River Or Stream

LITTLE RED

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

31460

Hydraulic Height

243

Drainage Area

1146

Nid Storage

2844000

Structural Height

251

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

251
       
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.