Hughes Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Hughes Lake Dam, located in Piggott, Arkansas, was completed in 1955 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet with a hydraulic height of 18 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 177 acre-feet. The dam spans 710 feet in length, encompassing a surface area of 10 acres with a drainage area of 0.17 square miles.

Despite its recreational focus, Hughes Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, indicating the potential risk associated with its failure. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with the last inspection taking place in August 1992. With no state regulation or enforcement in place, the responsibility for the dam's maintenance and safety falls solely on its private owners.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Hughes Lake Dam intriguing due to its historical significance and potential environmental impact on the surrounding Sugar Creek-Os watershed. As a privately owned structure, the dam presents unique challenges in terms of monitoring and ensuring its continued safety and functionality, making it a noteworthy case study in dam management and maintenance within the region.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

710

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

SUGAR CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

177

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.