Craighead Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Craighead Forest Lake Dam, situated in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a local government-owned structure that stands as a significant contributor to the area's recreation sector.
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Summary
Completed in 1952, this earth-type dam boasts a height of 30.8 feet and serves the purpose of providing recreational opportunities to the community. With a normal storage capacity of 526 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 652 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in enhancing the surface area of the lake to 55 acres.
Managed under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC), Craighead Forest Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being labeled as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 574 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital component in managing the Higginbottom Creek's water flow and overall hydrological dynamics in the region.
Located in the Little Rock District and overseen by the local government, Craighead Forest Lake Dam stands as a key recreational landmark in the Craighead County. As a significant structure for both water resource management and climate enthusiasts, the dam's role in providing leisure activities, regulating water flow, and supporting the local ecosystem underscores its importance in the community's environmental and social fabric.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1076 |
Dam Height |
30.8 |
River Or Stream |
HIGGINBOTTOM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
55 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
652 |
Structural Height |
30.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cache River At Egypt
|
21cfs |
Black River At Black Rock
|
4290cfs |
Black River At Elgin Ferry
|
3780cfs |
White River At Newport
|
11300cfs |
Black River At Pocahontas
|
3110cfs |
Spring River At Imboden
|
558cfs |
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.
Craighead Forest Lake Dam