Patocca Upper Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Patocca Upper Lake Dam, located in Palmyra, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1974.
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Summary
The dam stands at a structural height of 18 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, with a length of 760 feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 24 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Sanders Creek, under the jurisdiction of the Little Rock District.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment of 'Not Rated,' the dam poses a moderate risk, according to the data. The spillway type is labeled as 'Uncontrolled,' with no outlet gates or associated structures. The dam has not been inspected for condition assessment, and no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Patocca Upper Lake Dam serves as a notable example of a privately owned recreational earth dam in Arkansas. Its construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and its modest storage capacity make it an interesting site to study in the realm of water management and dam safety. Further assessment and risk management measures may be necessary to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this dam in the future.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
760 |
River Or Stream |
SANDERS CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Bartholomew At Garrett Bridge
|
149cfs |
Saline River Near Rye
|
433cfs |
Moro Creek Near Fordyce
|
1580cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew Near Mcgehee
|
223cfs |
Saline River Near Sheridan
|
2080cfs |
Hurricane Creek Near Sheridan
|
33cfs |
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.
Patocca Upper Lake Dam