Briar Plant Dam No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Briar Plant Dam No 1, also known as Bluff Creek, is a privately owned earth dam located in Howard County, Arkansas.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this dam serves the primary purpose of tailings storage and has a height of 34 feet and a length of 1663 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 800 acre-feet, with a surface area of 66 acres and a drainage area of 0.8 square miles.

The dam is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. It is classified as having a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The last inspection date was in October 2015, and the dam has not been modified in recent years. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates to control water discharge.

Located in the Vicksburg District and under the jurisdiction of the state of Arkansas, Briar Plant Dam No 1 is an essential structure for managing water resources in the region. With its history dating back to the late 1960s, the dam continues to play a crucial role in storing tailings and regulating water flow in Bluff Creek. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find interest in the technical specifications and regulatory aspects of this important infrastructure.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1663

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

BLUFF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

66

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

800

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

34
       
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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.