Bigger's Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kennedy Pond Dam Harvey Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bigger's Dam, located in Ouachita, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1968 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 40 feet and a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet, this dam on the Wadleigh Branch-TR river serves as a significant water resource in the area. The dam boasts a surface area of 5 acres and a maximum discharge of 1640 cubic feet per second, making it a vital structure for managing water flow and storage in the region.
Maintained and regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Bigger's Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential due to its size and location. While the dam's condition has not been officially rated, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Although the dam does not have outlet gates or locks, it plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and water management for the local community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Bigger's Dam to be an intriguing example of how private ownership can contribute to the sustainable use of water resources in a region.
Overall, Bigger's Dam stands as a testament to the importance of private ownership in maintaining water infrastructure for recreational and environmental purposes. Its role in managing water flow, storage, and recreation in Ouachita, Arkansas, highlights the diverse functions that dams can serve in a community. With its significant hazard potential and regulated status, Bigger's Dam represents a crucial piece of water resource infrastructure that is essential for the sustainable development and management of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
WADLEIGH BRANCH-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Ouachita River At Camden
|
3820cfs |
Smackover Creek Near Smackover
|
109cfs |
Moro Creek Near Fordyce
|
1580cfs |
Antoine River At Antoine
|
97cfs |
Saline River Near Sheridan
|
405cfs |
Little Corney Bayou Near Lillie
|
358cfs |
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.
Bigger's Dam