Wells Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wells Lake Dam, located in Drew, Arkansas, was completed in 1968 with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at a structural height of 14 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet, providing a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet. Situated on the Cutoff Creek-TR stream, the dam serves as a vital resource for irrigation and recreation in the area.

Owned privately, Wells Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and has a low hazard potential. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam continues to support the local community with its water storage capacity and recreational opportunities. With a maximum discharge of 389 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, ensuring sustainable usage for both agricultural and leisure purposes.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wells Lake Dam remains an essential infrastructure for the community of Selma and surrounding areas. With its earth dam type and 330-foot length, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and highlights the importance of sustainable practices in the face of climate change and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

330

River Or Stream

CUTOFF CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

176

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.