Nichols Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nichols Lake Dam, located in Howard County, Arkansas, serves as a vital water supply source for the local community.
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Summary
Built in 1928, this gravity-type dam stands at a height of 19.9 feet and has a storage capacity of 605 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 250 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 3000 feet and impounds Mine Creek, providing a surface area of 51 acres and serving a drainage area of 9.1 square miles.
Despite its age, Nichols Lake Dam has been well-maintained and remains in good condition, with a high hazard potential due to its location. While not currently regulated by the state, the dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, and its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is unknown. Nevertheless, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding area, ensuring a reliable water supply for residents and supporting the ecological balance of the region.
With its historical significance and ongoing importance as a water supply structure, Nichols Lake Dam stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its time. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of such structures in sustaining our communities and ecosystems is vital, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of dams like Nichols Lake in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1928 |
Dam Length |
3000 |
Dam Height |
19.9 |
River Or Stream |
MINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
51 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
9.1 |
Nid Storage |
605 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Saline River Near Lockesburg
|
73cfs |
Little Missouri River Near Langley
|
44cfs |
Antoine River At Antoine
|
97cfs |
Red River At Index
|
1770cfs |
Little River Near Horatio
|
3450cfs |
Caddo River Near Caddo Gap
|
113cfs |
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.
Nichols Lake Dam