Dunbar Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dunbar Lake Dam in Arkansas serves as a vital water supply resource, completed in 1964 and standing at a structural height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet.


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Summary

Located in Little River County, the dam sits on the Walnut Bayou-TR river or stream and has a maximum storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, with normal storage at 29 acre-feet. The dam is primarily used for water supply purposes and is privately owned, with no state regulation or permitting requirements.

Although the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, it has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance assessments. Despite its relatively modest size and capacity, Dunbar Lake Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources to the surrounding area. With no state jurisdiction or enforcement responsibilities, the dam's operational status and safety measures may rely heavily on the discretion of its private owners.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of structures like Dunbar Lake Dam in sustaining local water supplies and ecosystems. Monitoring and ensuring the safety and maintenance of dams like this one is essential for safeguarding both water resources and the surrounding communities that rely on them for their daily needs.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

WALNUT BAYOU-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.