Ward Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ward Lake Dam, located in Polk County, Arkansas, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along Ward Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1946, this gravity dam stands at a height of 85 feet and spans 850 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 208 acre-feet. The dam is owned by the local government and is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.

With a high hazard potential, Ward Lake Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of flooding in the surrounding area. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are not currently available. The dam's location in the city of Mena, along with its proximity to Ward Creek, highlights its importance in protecting the community from potential water-related disasters. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Ward Lake Dam in safeguarding the region against floods and ensuring the safety of local residents.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

80

River Or Stream

WARD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

39

Hydraulic Height

70

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

208

Structural Height

85

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

85
       
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.