Bear Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crystal Lake Dam Jakey's Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bear Creek, located in Helena, Arkansas, is a Federal-owned Fish and Wildlife Pond that serves as a recreational area for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1938 by the USDA Forest Service, this Earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a length of 1200 feet, creating a storage capacity of 9200 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 520 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, Bear Creek has a moderate risk rating due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area.
Managed by the Forest Service, Bear Creek has not been rated for its condition as of yet, but receives regular inspections every 10 years to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 780 cubic feet per second. Although there are no associated structures with the dam, Bear Creek plays a crucial role in providing water for wildlife and recreational activities in the region. With its historical significance and natural beauty, Bear Creek remains a beloved spot for outdoor enthusiasts and environmental conservationists alike.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
520 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
9200 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Languille River At Palestine
|
11cfs |
Languille River Near Colt
|
12cfs |
Big Sunflower River At Clarksdale
|
58cfs |
Cache River Near Cotton Plant
|
104cfs |
White River At Devalls Bluff
|
10700cfs |
Mississippi River At Memphis
|
235000cfs |
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.
Bear Creek