Butler Lake Dam No 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Butler Lake Dam No 2, located in Arkansas, was completed in 1966 and serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water supply.
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Summary
With a structural height of 11 feet and a hydraulic height of 9 feet, this earth dam spans 140 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Panther Branch and covers a drainage area of 2.3 square miles, with a surface area of 7.1 acres.
Despite being privately owned, Butler Lake Dam No 2 falls under the jurisdiction of the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam has not been inspected or rated recently. Although it has not been modified or equipped with a spillway, the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 518 cubic feet per second. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Butler Lake Dam No 2 presents an intriguing case study in the management of small-scale earth dams in the Arkansas region.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
140 |
River Or Stream |
PANTHER BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
2.3 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Sunflower River At Clarksdale
|
58cfs |
White River At Devalls Bluff
|
10700cfs |
Big Sunflower River Nr Merigold
|
703cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew At Garrett Bridge
|
154cfs |
Languille River At Palestine
|
11cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew Near Mcgehee
|
243cfs |
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.
Butler Lake Dam No 2