Johnny Cake Lake No 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Johnny Cake Lake No 1 Dam, located in Sebastian, Arkansas, was completed in 1956 and serves as a key recreational spot in the area.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam also supports water supply needs. Standing at a height of 15 feet and having a hydraulic height of 12 feet, this earth dam spans 660 feet and has a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Cherokee Creek-OS and is under the jurisdiction of the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite being privately owned, the dam has a significant hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be prepared and updated, highlighting potential vulnerabilities. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1620 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a critical role in managing water resources in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should keep an eye on the developments and maintenance efforts surrounding Johnny Cake Lake No 1 Dam to ensure its safety and sustainability for the future.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

CHEROKEE CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

210

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.