Tates Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tates Reservoir Dam, located in Des Arc, Arkansas, was completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This private dam on Brownings Branch stands at a hydraulic height of 7 feet and a structural height of 13 feet, with a length of 750 feet and a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for condition assessment.

The reservoir covers a surface area of 22.8 acres and drains a 0.35 square mile area. Despite its modest size, Tates Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in supporting local irrigation needs in Prairie County, Arkansas. The dam is not regulated by the state and has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance assessments, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management for this vital water resource infrastructure.

As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the proper maintenance and management of dams like Tates Reservoir Dam become increasingly important for ensuring sustainable water use in the region. With its low hazard potential and historical significance in irrigation, Tates Reservoir Dam serves as a reminder of the essential role that water resource infrastructure plays in supporting agricultural practices and local communities in Arkansas.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

750

River Or Stream

BROWNINGS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.8

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

0.35

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.