Morris Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Morris Lake Dam, located in Alma, Crawford County, Arkansas, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Situated on the Little Frog Bayou-Os river or stream, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its low hazard potential, Morris Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has not undergone recent inspections, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The surrounding area does not have inundation maps prepared, and there is no documented risk assessment or risk management measures associated with the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Morris Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the management and maintenance of a vital water storage structure. With its historical significance and importance for irrigation in the region, the dam's condition assessment and hazard potential warrant further attention to ensure its continued safe operation and longevity.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

LITTLE FROG BAYOU-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.