Nicholas Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brigance Lake Dam Moore Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Nicholas Lake Dam, located in Clay, Arkansas, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1976, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a length of 470 feet. It has a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 18.5 acres, providing a serene setting for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Managed by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and regulated by the state, Nicholas Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated. While the last inspection date was in 2010, the dam is regularly monitored for safety and compliance. With a drainage area of 0.23 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4743 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the Sales Creek-TR watershed.
Despite its modest size, Nicholas Lake Dam remains an important feature in the Little Rock District, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to the overall water resource management in the region. As an earth-type structure, it highlights the balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship, showcasing the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
SALES CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
116 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black River Near Corning
|
553cfs |
Little Black River Below Fairdealing
|
67cfs |
Black River At Poplar Bluff
|
615cfs |
Current River At Doniphan
|
1630cfs |
St. Francis River At Wappapello
|
1670cfs |
Black River At Pocahontas
|
2510cfs |
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.
Nicholas Lake Dam