J Gunnell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

J Gunnell Lake Dam, located in La Grue, Arkansas, serves as a critical water supply structure in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1957, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 11 feet and has a structural height of 13 feet. With a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 79 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources for the surrounding area.

Situated on Lagrue Bayou-TR, J Gunnell Lake Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite being a private-owned structure, it operates for public use and benefits the community by providing water supply. The hazard potential for this dam is rated as low, and its condition assessment remains unrated. As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, J Gunnell Lake Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in Arkansas.

While not regulated by the state, J Gunnell Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring water infrastructure in the face of climate challenges. With a surface area of 17 acres and a drainage area of 1.17 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring a stable water supply for the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance and functionality of structures like J Gunnell Lake Dam is essential for sustainable water management efforts in the future.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

320

River Or Stream

LAGRUE BAYOU-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1.17

Nid Storage

95

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.