Harris Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harris Lake Dam in Arkansas stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this Earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Hudson Creek. The dam boasts a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a structural height of 11 feet, providing essential storage capacity of 66 acre-feet for the surrounding area.

Located in Little River County, Arkansas, Harris Lake Dam presents a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. Despite lacking state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, the dam remains a vital component of the local ecosystem and recreational landscape. With a maximum discharge rate of 93 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flood risks in the region.

While Harris Lake Dam may not be under the jurisdiction of state agencies, its significance in providing a safe and enjoyable environment for recreation cannot be understated. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Harris Lake Dam serve as valuable assets in preserving the natural beauty of the area and ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

666

River Or Stream

HUDSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

66

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.