South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 1, located in Perry County, Arkansas, is a crucial infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Dry Fork Fourche Lafave River.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 75 feet, with a hydraulic height of 68 feet, and a length of 3010 feet. It has a storage capacity of 17,726 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its current condition.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the ANRC, South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 1 plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates are key components of its design, ensuring the controlled release of water during times of excess flow. While the dam has not been inspected since 2014, it remains a vital structure in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate adaptation will find South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 1 to be a compelling case study in flood risk reduction infrastructure in the state of Arkansas.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

3010

Dam Height

74

River Or Stream

DRY FORK FOURCHE LAVAVE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

104

Hydraulic Height

68

Drainage Area

34.2

Nid Storage

17726

Structural Height

75

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

75
       
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.