Powell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Powell Lake Dam, located in Columbia County, Arkansas, was completed in 1972 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private earth dam has a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 14 feet, with a length of 530 feet. It has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, with normal storage at 53 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.3 acres. The dam is situated on Beech Creek, contributing to a drainage area of 0.5 square miles.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Powell Lake Dam has not been inspected in recent years. Despite being a non-federal structure, the dam plays a significant role in providing recreational opportunities in the area. The dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place as of the latest data update in July 2018. This information offers a glimpse into the importance of Powell Lake Dam in local water resource management and the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for the community.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

530

River Or Stream

BEECH CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.3

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

96

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.