Bethesda Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cox Lake Dam Blue Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bethesda Lake Dam, located in Polk County, Arkansas, is a private dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1922, the earth dam stands at a height of 32.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Situated on Dallas Creek, the dam boasts a surface area of 5 acres and serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment and is currently labeled as "Not Rated" in terms of its structural integrity.
With a high hazard potential, Bethesda Lake Dam is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it poses a significant risk in the event of a breach due to its location and potential impact on downstream areas. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unknown, raising concerns among water resource and climate enthusiasts about the overall safety and management of the structure.
As a key feature in the recreational landscape of Dallas, Arkansas, Bethesda Lake Dam serves as both a popular destination for outdoor activities and a potential source of concern for its high hazard potential. With an outdated last inspection date of 1992 and an unknown emergency action plan status, the dam's overall safety and risk management measures are unclear. Water resource and climate enthusiasts are urged to stay informed about the condition of Bethesda Lake Dam and advocate for updated assessments and risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
32.6 |
River Or Stream |
DALLAS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
30.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bethesda Lake Dam
Headwaters In Sec 8, T1S, R31W To Nf Boundary At Acorn, Ar