Meadow Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arnolds Lake Dam Sibleys Lake Dam
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Meadow Lake Dam, located in Paragould, Arkansas, was completed in 1972 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 12 feet and a length of 300 feet, holds a storage capacity of 276 acre-feet of water from Johnson Creek. Managed by a private owner and designed by the USDA NRCS, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and is categorized with a low hazard potential.
Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, Meadow Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level according to a recent assessment. The dam's condition has not been rated, and it lacks an emergency action plan and updated contact information. While the dam does not have associated structures, it is situated within the jurisdiction of Greene County and has not undergone recent modifications or inspections.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Meadow Lake Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately-owned earth dam designed for recreational purposes in Arkansas. With its unique features and risk assessment, the dam highlights the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness for ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
JOHNSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
276 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black River Near Corning
|
532cfs |
Black River At Pocahontas
|
2320cfs |
Cache River At Egypt
|
0cfs |
Black River At Black Rock
|
3320cfs |
Spring River At Imboden
|
383cfs |
Elevenpoint River Near Ravenden Springs
|
486cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Meadow Lake Dam