Wayne Carter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wayne Carter Lake Dam, located in Whitehall, Arkansas, was completed in 1969 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam is a 12-foot earth structure on England Creek, providing a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 65 acre-feet. The dam is under private ownership and is not regulated by the state, with no inspections or enforcement actions reported.
Despite its recreational focus, Wayne Carter Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. Emergency action plans have not been prepared or updated for the dam, raising concerns about its safety and preparedness in the event of a disaster. With a lack of risk assessments and management measures in place, there is a need for increased attention to the safety and maintenance of this important water resource infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Wayne Carter Lake Dam will find a unique case study in the challenges facing privately owned dams in the United States. The dam's location, design, and lack of regulatory oversight highlight the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness for dams of all sizes. As a significant hazard potential structure, Wayne Carter Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the need for proactive risk management and investment in the safety of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
ENGLAND CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
125 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cache River At Egypt
|
21cfs |
Languille River Near Colt
|
12cfs |
White River At Newport
|
11300cfs |
Black River At Elgin Ferry
|
3780cfs |
Languille River At Palestine
|
11cfs |
White River Near Augusta
|
11700cfs |
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.
Wayne Carter Lake Dam