Upper Ouachita Site 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Forbis Lake Dam Dairy Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Ouachita Site 1, also known as Iron Forks Lake Dam, is a crucial water resource structure located in Polk, Arkansas.
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Summary
Built in 1977 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 88 feet and serves the primary purpose of water supply. With a storage capacity of 22,300 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 30,000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing the water resources of the region.
The dam, situated on Irons Fork Creek, covers a surface area of 310 acres and has a drainage area of 34.3 square miles. While the spillway type is uncontrolled, the hazard potential is rated as high, indicating the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam has not been rated for condition assessment, but it is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the ANRC, ensuring the safety and integrity of this critical infrastructure.
Despite the moderate risk assessment, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are not detailed in the available data. With its strategic location and significant role in water supply, Upper Ouachita Site 1 is a key component of the water resource infrastructure in the area, highlighting the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential structure for the community.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
1735 |
Dam Height |
88 |
River Or Stream |
IRONS FORK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
310 |
Hydraulic Height |
82 |
Drainage Area |
34.3 |
Nid Storage |
22300 |
Structural Height |
88 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
88 |
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.
Upper Ouachita Site 1
Headwaters In Sec 8, T1S, R31W To Nf Boundary At Acorn, Ar