Poteau River Wid Site 17 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Poteau River Wid Site 17, located in Scott County, Arkansas, is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along Piney Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 51 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 2443 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Poteau River Wid Site 17 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a surface area of 11 acres and a drainage area of 3.1 square miles. While it serves primarily for flood risk reduction, the dam also offers recreational opportunities in the region.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Poteau River Wid Site 17 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. With its strategic location and design, this dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the area.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
766 |
Dam Height |
51 |
River Or Stream |
PINEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
49 |
Drainage Area |
3.1 |
Nid Storage |
1499 |
Structural Height |
51 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
51 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Poteau River At Cauthron
|
129cfs |
Poteau River At Loving
|
136cfs |
Black Fork Below Big Creek Nr Page
|
6cfs |
Petit Jean River Near Booneville
|
95cfs |
James Fork Near Hackett
|
39cfs |
Kiamichi River Near Big Cedar
|
32cfs |
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.
Poteau River Wid Site 17