Lake Cortez Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Cortez Dam, located in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1979 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 80 feet and a hydraulic height of 65 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 5840 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 10400 acre-feet. The dam spans 857 feet in length and is situated on Mill Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC).

Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in January 2017. While the dam has not been modified over the years, it is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps for Lake Cortez Dam are not readily available, raising concerns for the safety and security of the surrounding community in the event of a dam failure. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate should closely monitor the ongoing maintenance and regulatory oversight of Lake Cortez Dam to ensure its continued safe operation and protection of downstream areas.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

857

Dam Height

80

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

247

Hydraulic Height

65

Drainage Area

9.8

Nid Storage

10400

Structural Height

80

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

80
       
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.