Dairy Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dairy Lake Dam, located in Polk County, Arkansas, was completed in 1974 with the primary purpose of providing recreation and water supply to the area.


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Summary

The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is an earth-type structure standing at a height of 20 feet and spanning a length of 830 feet along Gap Creek. With a maximum storage capacity of 240 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned by a private entity, Dairy Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and has not been inspected or rated for its condition. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place or updated contact information for emergencies. The risk assessment and management measures for the dam are currently not documented, raising concerns about the safety and preparedness of the structure in the event of an emergency. As a vital resource for both recreation and water supply, the importance of regular inspections and maintenance for Dairy Lake Dam cannot be overstated to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

830

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

GAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

240

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.