Sadler- Morrison Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Traveler Dam Clements Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sadler-Morrison Lake Dam, located in Rison, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
With a height of 26 feet and a hydraulic height of 21 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 5.7 acres and a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Saline River and is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment due to its age and condition assessment not yet being rated. The spillway is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 436 cubic feet per second. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its emergency action plan status is unclear. However, with a history of state regulatory oversight and regular inspections, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities while maintaining public safety in the surrounding Cleveland County area.
Overall, Sadler-Morrison Lake Dam stands as a vital water resource structure in Arkansas, offering both recreational benefits and flood control measures for the local community. With its moderate risk assessment, ongoing state regulatory involvement, and historical significance, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring essential infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and the environment in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
SALINE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.17 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moro Creek Near Fordyce
|
1580cfs |
Saline River Near Sheridan
|
405cfs |
Saline River Near Rye
|
428cfs |
Hurricane Creek Near Sheridan
|
33cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew At Garrett Bridge
|
154cfs |
Ouachita River At Camden
|
3820cfs |
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.
Sadler- Morrison Lake Dam