Walnut Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Walnut Lake Dam, located in McArthur, Arkansas, was completed in 1960 and is owned by a private entity.


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Summary

The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, serves a primary purpose of recreation, with a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 7 feet. It spans 75 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Canal No 19-TR, within the Desha County area of Arkansas.

Despite being privately owned, Walnut Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and does not require permitting, inspection, or enforcement. The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its overall condition assessment. While there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place for the dam, it meets guidelines and has not undergone any recent risk assessment or management measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Walnut Lake Dam to be an interesting case study, as it represents a privately owned recreational structure designed to serve the local community. The dam's location on Canal No 19-TR in Desha County, Arkansas, adds to its significance within the region. With its low hazard potential and lack of recent inspections or assessments, there may be opportunities for further research and evaluation of its current condition and potential risks in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

75

River Or Stream

CANAL NO 19-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

61

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.