Bluff Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bluff Lake Dam, located in Stone, Arkansas, was completed in 1964 and stands at a height of 40 feet, with a length of 320 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the waters of Five Mile Creek-TR. With a storage capacity of 527 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 208 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 6 acres within its drainage area of 0.3 square miles.

Owned privately, Bluff Lake Dam is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement. Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in 2008. While the dam does not feature a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates for water release if necessary. The vicinity of the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring proper management and oversight of the water resource for the local community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bluff Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study in the intersection of recreation and environmental stewardship. As a privately-owned structure with a modest storage capacity, the dam's presence underscores the importance of responsible water management and maintenance to ensure the safety and well-being of surrounding areas. The dam's location in a picturesque setting further highlights the need for sustainable practices to preserve the beauty and functionality of the water resource for generations to come.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

FIVE MILE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

527

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

40
       
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.