Alter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Alter Lake No 2 Dam Union Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Alter Lake Dam, located in Arkansas, was completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a structural height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet, and a length of 1000 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 36 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 14.2 acres. The dam is situated on Caney Bayou-TR and is under the jurisdiction of the Memphis District.
Despite being privately owned, Alter Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. It is not regulated by the state of Arkansas and has not been subject to inspections or enforcement. The dam has no associated structures and does not have an emergency action plan prepared. The risk assessment and management measures for the dam are also not specified in the data provided.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Alter Lake Dam an interesting case study due to its historical completion date and its significance in supporting irrigation in the region. The dam's design and capacity offer insights into water management practices and the importance of maintaining infrastructure for sustainable water resource utilization. Monitoring the condition and risk assessment of the dam could provide valuable information on adapting to climate change impacts on water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
River Or Stream |
CANEY BAYOU-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Bartholomew At Garrett Bridge
|
154cfs |
White River At Devalls Bluff
|
10700cfs |
Big Sunflower River At Clarksdale
|
58cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew Near Mcgehee
|
243cfs |
Big Sunflower River Nr Merigold
|
703cfs |
Bayou Meto Near Lonoke
|
100cfs |
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.
Alter Lake Dam