Petit Jean Water Supply Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Petit Jean Water Supply, located in Petit Jean State Park in Conway, Arkansas, is a vital water source in the region.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1959, stands at 29 feet tall and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this gravity dam is to supply water to the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles.

The dam on Cedar Creek-OS is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, with its last inspection conducted in November 2010. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated for the dam, it remains a crucial water resource for the community, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1600 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the importance of the Petit Jean Water Supply dam in providing essential water supply services to the area. The dam's infrastructure and regulatory oversight ensure the safety and reliability of this critical resource, making it a cornerstone of water management in Conway, Arkansas.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

210

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
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.