Buford Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buford Lake Dam, located in Miller County, Arkansas, was completed in 1968 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, which is privately owned, stands at a structural height of 9 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6 feet. With a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, the dam helps to regulate the flow of McKinney Bayou-OS and covers a surface area of 8.5 acres. Despite not being state regulated, Buford Lake Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential.

Although the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated" and its emergency action plan status is unknown, the structure has not undergone any recent modifications. The surrounding area includes various associated structures and features with no locks or spillways present. The maximum discharge capacity of the dam is 296 cubic feet per second, indicating its ability to manage water flow effectively in the event of heavy rain or flooding. Overall, Buford Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for water management and outdoor recreational activities in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

390

River Or Stream

MCKINNEY BAYOU-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

72

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.