Ricks Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ricks Dam, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Bull Bayou, was completed in 1949 and serves as a crucial water supply source for the area.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 87 feet and has a storage capacity of 6720 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 5180 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 359 acres and has a drainage area of 3.3 square miles.

Despite its importance for water supply, Ricks Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and its condition assessment is currently not rated. The dam is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2017. While the dam does not have a spillway, it has a maximum discharge capacity of 8000 cubic feet per second, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability.

With its significant role in water supply for the region, Ricks Dam highlights the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As an essential infrastructure for the community, ongoing risk assessments and management measures are crucial to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term functionality of the dam. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of structures like Ricks Dam is key to fostering sustainable practices in water management and infrastructure development.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

87

River Or Stream

BULL BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

359

Hydraulic Height

87

Drainage Area

3.3

Nid Storage

6720

Structural Height

87

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

87
       
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.