Browns Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Browns Lake Dam, located in Paron, Arkansas, is a private recreational structure built in 1969.


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Summary

The dam is primarily used for recreation purposes and stands at a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 18 feet. It impounds Trace Creek-TR and has a maximum storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 41 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is not regulated or inspected by the state, raising concerns about its hazard potential.

With a significant hazard potential and a condition assessment that has not been rated, Browns Lake Dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in Saline County, Arkansas. The dam has no emergency action plan prepared, and there is no information available on its risk assessment or management measures. The lack of state regulation and inspection further adds to the uncertainty surrounding the safety of this earth dam, which has a length of 325 feet and no spillway width specified.

The Little Rock District of the US Army Corps of Engineers is not involved in the ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, or operation of Browns Lake Dam. This lack of federal oversight raises questions about the dam's compliance with safety guidelines and the adequacy of emergency preparedness measures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the condition of Browns Lake Dam and advocate for proper risk assessment and management to ensure the safety of the community and environment.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

325

River Or Stream

TRACE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

72

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.