Vache Grasse Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jack Nolen Lake Dam Shadow Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Vache Grasse Creek, located in Sebastian County, Arkansas, is a gravity dam built in 1964 primarily for recreation purposes, including water supply.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam stands at a height of 53 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 950 acre-feet and a surface area of 100 acres. With a drainage area of 24.6 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 12,558 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government with state jurisdiction and regulation by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC), Vache Grasse Creek Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. Despite its condition assessment being "Not Rated," the dam undergoes regular state inspections, with the last inspection conducted in June 2017. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place at this time, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the risk management measures and potential impacts associated with this vital water infrastructure.
As a key feature of the scenic Vache Grasse Creek, this dam serves as a vital resource for both recreational activities and water supply in the area. Its management, maintenance, and potential risks are essential considerations for ensuring the safety and sustainability of this crucial water resource in Sebastian County.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
53 |
River Or Stream |
VACHE GRASSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
100 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
24.6 |
Nid Storage |
950 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
53 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James Fork Near Hackett
|
32cfs |
Arkansas River At Ft. Smith
|
21700cfs |
Poteau River At Cauthron
|
111cfs |
Petit Jean River Near Booneville
|
83cfs |
Poteau River Near Panama
|
483cfs |
Poteau River At Loving
|
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.
Vache Grasse Creek