Natural Springs Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Natural Springs Dam, also known as Fountain Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure situated in Owensville, Arkansas.


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Summary

Constructed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.48 square miles, the dam impounds the South Fork Saline River-TR, creating an 8.5-acre surface area for recreational activities.

Maintained by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC), the dam has a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam underwent its last inspection in October 2014, with a frequency of zero inspections reported. The surrounding area is at risk of inundation, but there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, indicating a need for improved risk management measures and guidelines to ensure public safety in case of emergencies.

Although the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain safety features like spillways and outlet gates, its historical significance in providing recreational opportunities cannot be understated. With its picturesque location and potential risks, the Natural Springs Dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource utilization and the need for robust infrastructure to withstand climate challenges.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

356

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK SALINE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.