South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 4, located in Perry County, Arkansas, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1981.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 90 feet and stretching 895 feet in length, plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a normal storage capacity of 513 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 6550 acre-feet, this dam on Cove Creek serves as a key component of water resource management in the region.

Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 4 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of its condition assessment. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates further highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks. While the risk assessment deems the structure to have a moderate risk level, there is a lack of detailed information on risk management measures and emergency action plans, indicating areas for potential improvement in safeguarding the dam and surrounding communities.

With its location in a rural area and limited associated structures, South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 4 stands as a testament to the importance of proper water resource infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water availability, structures like this dam play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the threats of flooding events. Continued monitoring, assessment, and potentially enhanced risk management measures will be essential in ensuring the long-term resilience and effectiveness of this important flood risk reduction structure.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

895

Dam Height

90

River Or Stream

COVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Drainage Area

13.7

Nid Storage

6550

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

90
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.