Cecil Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cecil Lake Dam, located in Franklin, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1966 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a hydraulic height of 44 feet, with a length of 1,085 feet and a storage capacity of 564 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Situated along the Arkansas River-OS, Cecil Lake Dam serves as a recreational spot for the local community, offering a surface area of 26 acres for various water-related activities. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 661 cubic feet per second, making it a key structure in managing water flow in the area. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its last inspection in 2014 confirmed its overall stability and safety for visitors and nearby residents.

With its picturesque location and essential role in water resource management, Cecil Lake Dam is a notable earth dam in Arkansas that not only provides recreational opportunities but also contributes to the environmental and hydrological balance of the region. As a privately owned structure, the dam's maintenance and operations are overseen by its owners, with support from state regulatory agencies to ensure its continued functionality and safety for all stakeholders involved.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1085

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

ARKANSAS RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

564

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

50
       
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.