Sparks Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sparks Lake Dam, located in Viola, Arkansas, is a private-owned structure built in 1974 primarily for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth-type dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a length of 360 feet. It has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 290 cubic feet per second. The dam is situated on Big Creek-TR and is part of the Memphis District.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as significant, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. Despite being privately owned, Sparks Lake Dam is not regulated or inspected by the state agencies. With no enforcement or permitting requirements, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and mitigation measures remain unknown. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Sparks Lake Dam's impact on the local environment and surrounding community may find further investigation into its risk management practices and emergency preparedness valuable.

Overall, Sparks Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience. The dam's recreational purpose, significant hazard potential, and lack of state regulation raise questions about its safety and emergency response capabilities. Further research into the dam's inspection history, risk assessment, and emergency action plan could provide valuable insights for understanding its role in water resource management and potential climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

BIG CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

96

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.