Cooper Creek Wid Site 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cooper Creek Wid Site 4 is a local government-owned earth dam in Smithville, Arkansas, designed by the USDA NRCS.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, completed in 1969, stands at a height of 50 feet and spans a length of 3485 feet, with a storage capacity of 2922 acre-feet and a normal storage of 91 acre-feet. It serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction on Machine Creek, a tributary in Lawrence County, Arkansas.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Cooper Creek Wid Site 4 is a significant infrastructure for managing flood risk in the area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 5088 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," it is under state regulation and inspection, ensuring its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the vital role that Cooper Creek Wid Site 4 plays in flood risk reduction in the region. Its strategic location and design by the USDA NRCS highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events on local communities. As a key structure in the watershed, this dam serves as a crucial component of the area's resilience against flooding and underscores the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its long-term effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from potential water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

3485

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

MACHINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

4.8

Nid Storage

2922

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

50
       
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.