Harris Brake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harris Brake Dam, located in Perry County, Arkansas, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1954 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, spanning 3200 feet and standing at a height of 25 feet, creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 8267 acre-feet and a maximum capacity of 16576 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Coffee Creek and is maintained by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC).

With a hazard potential rated as high, Harris Brake Dam has not been recently assessed for its condition. Despite this, the dam remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a surface area of 1240 acres for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 15400 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective flood control measures in the area.

Although lacking recent risk assessments and condition ratings, Harris Brake Dam continues to provide vital recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Its strategic location on Coffee Creek and its capacity for water storage make it an integral part of the region's water resource management and climate adaptation efforts. As an earth dam maintained by the state of Arkansas, Harris Brake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

3200

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

COFFEE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1240

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

10.6

Nid Storage

16576

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.