Lake Return Dam dam
Lake Return Dam
Lake Return Dam, located in Osage, Arkansas, is a private recreational dam completed in 1964 with a height of 22 feet and a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Dog Branch-TR river, covers a surface area of 3.5 acres and serves as a popular spot for water enthusiasts in Carroll County. Despite being privately owned, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Managed by the Little Rock District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Return Dam boasts a picturesque setting with its earth dam type and 400-foot length. While lacking in certain regulatory aspects such as permitting and inspection, the dam provides a safe recreational environment for locals and visitors alike. With its serene surroundings and ample storage capacity, the dam offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking water-based activities in the area.
Although Lake Return Dam has not been extensively modified or assessed in recent years, its role in providing recreational opportunities and maintaining a low-risk profile showcases its importance in the region. As a privately owned structure, the dam adds value to the community by offering a scenic and safe environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With its rich history dating back to the 1960s, Lake Return Dam continues to be a beloved destination for individuals seeking leisure and relaxation by the water.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Return Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo River Near Boxley | 75 cfs | → |
| Yocum Creek Near Oak Grove | 8 cfs | → |
| Kings River Near Berryville | 136 cfs | → |
| War Eagle Creek Near Hindsville | 100 cfs | → |
| Richland Creek At Goshen | -999,999 cfs | → |
| Richland Creek Near Witts Spring | 133 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Return Dam.
Boat launches
- Newton County
- County Road 4502 Carroll County
- Clevenger Cove Boat Launch
- Dale Avenue 517, Taney County
- State Park Drive 5272, Taney County
Campgrounds
- Steel Creek Horse Camp
- Kyles Landing
- Kyle's Landing
- Steel Creek - Buffalo National River
- Cavers Camp
- Erbie Horse Camp
Fishing spots
Track Lake Return Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Return Dam
Where does the data for Lake Return Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Return Dam.