Swiss Family Vineyards Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Swiss Family Vineyards Dam, located in Hartman, Arkansas, was completed in 1963 for the primary purpose of irrigation, with additional recreational benefits.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a length of 580 feet, providing a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet in the Horsehead Creek-Os river system. Despite its low hazard potential and not being state-regulated or inspected, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

Owned and operated by a private entity, the Swiss Family Vineyards Dam has not undergone any recent inspections or condition assessments. With a normal storage capacity of 224 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 450 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural irrigation in the region. Although not under federal jurisdiction, the dam's construction and design have met the needs of the community for over half a century, showcasing the importance of sustainable water management in a changing climate.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the Swiss Family Vineyards Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure for irrigation and recreation purposes. With a relatively low hazard potential and no state regulatory oversight, the dam provides a critical source of water for the Franklin County area. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, it is essential to recognize the role that dams like Swiss Family Vineyards play in supporting local communities and ensuring the efficient use of water resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

580

River Or Stream

HORSEHEAD CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.