Hardin Lake Dam No 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hardin Lake Dam No 2, located in Jefferson County, Arkansas, was completed in 1958 and is primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet, impounds the Arkansas River-TR, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is not state-regulated or inspected, raising concerns about its safety and maintenance.
Owned privately, Hardin Lake Dam No 2 was designed by the USDA NRCS and is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With no state jurisdiction or permitting requirements, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, and emergency action plans have not been prepared or updated. The lack of oversight and regulatory agency involvement raises questions about the long-term sustainability and safety of this recreational water resource in Arkansas.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for increased monitoring and maintenance of dams like Hardin Lake Dam No 2 to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of natural habitats. By promoting transparency, regulatory compliance, and risk management measures, we can safeguard our water resources for future generations and mitigate potential environmental risks associated with aging infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
650 |
River Or Stream |
ARKANSAS RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Hardin Lake Dam No 2