Bruce Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Piney, Arkansas, the Bruce Lake Dam is a private earth dam built in 1957 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 26 feet and a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Situated on the Mill Creek-TR river, it also offers recreational opportunities for the local community.

Managed by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, the Bruce Lake Dam is regulated and inspected periodically to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The surrounding area, with a drainage area of 0.18 square miles, relies on the dam for water supply and flood control, making it a vital infrastructure for both agricultural and environmental needs.

With its strategic location and significant role in water resource management, the Bruce Lake Dam serves as a valuable asset in sustaining the ecosystem and supporting various activities in Franklin County, Arkansas. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of maintaining and upgrading such structures becomes increasingly evident. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Bruce Lake is essential in promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the resilience of our communities in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.