Poinsett Wid Site 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Poinsett Wid Site 3, located in Poinsett, Arkansas, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed and managed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a hydraulic height of 21 feet, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Distress Creek-TR. With a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Despite its importance in flood control, Poinsett Wid Site 3 poses a high hazard potential due to its structural characteristics and the surrounding environmental factors. While the condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated," the dam has been inspected by the ANRC with state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk that requires ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 394 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 14 acres, Poinsett Wid Site 3 is a critical infrastructure component in the region's water resource management system. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, the role of dams like Poinsett Wid Site 3 in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities becomes even more significant. Through continued monitoring, maintenance, and risk management efforts, this dam will continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding the local area from potential flooding disasters.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
755 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
DISTRESS CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
240 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Languille River Near Colt
|
12cfs |
Cache River At Egypt
|
21cfs |
White River At Newport
|
11300cfs |
Languille River At Palestine
|
11cfs |
Black River At Elgin Ferry
|
3780cfs |
White River Near Augusta
|
11700cfs |
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.
Poinsett Wid Site 3
White Hall Wildlife Management Area
Singer Forest Natural Area
St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area