Wetmore Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wetmore Lake Dam, located in Benton County, Arkansas, was completed in 1965 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans a length of 200 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The dam is situated on McKisic Creek-TR and serves the community of Bella Vista as a recreational spot with a surface area of 4 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Wetmore Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Arkansas, with no regulatory agency overseeing its operations or inspections. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in 2001. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, it continues to provide recreational opportunities for the local community, with no reported incidents or modifications in recent years.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Wetmore Lake Dam an intriguing site due to its unique location and purpose. The dam, with its modest storage capacity and recreational focus, serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both practical and leisure purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources, monitoring and assessing dams like Wetmore Lake Dam will be crucial in ensuring their safety and functionality for future generations.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

MCKISIC CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

Low

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.