Copeland Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brushlake Dam Mills Valley Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Copeland Dam, also known as Watson Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Faulkner, Arkansas, along the Little River.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 46 feet and spans 450 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, Copeland Dam primarily serves as a recreational site for water enthusiasts in the area.
Managed by the Vicksburg District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Copeland Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While the dam has not been inspected since June 2014, it remains under state regulation and inspection by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Despite the lack of recent inspection data, the dam's primary purpose of recreation continues to attract visitors to its 20-acre surface area.
As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, Copeland Dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Little River and providing recreational opportunities for the community. With its serene location and historical significance, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and preserving our water resources for future generations to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
400 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
46 |
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.
Copeland Dam