Poinsett Wid Site 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Poinsett Wid Site 4, located in Poinsett, Arkansas, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans over 1392 feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the Distress Creek-TR. With a storage capacity of 1177 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 535 acre-feet, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC), Poinsett Wid Site 4 has been deemed to have a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspection and maintenance. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 6690 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition of the dam is currently not rated, signaling a need for further assessment and potentially the development of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of climate change challenges.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Poinsett Wid Site 4 serves as a significant structure in the region's water management infrastructure. Its impact on flood risk reduction, water storage, and flow regulation underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of increasing climate variability. As efforts to address climate change intensify, structures like Poinsett Wid Site 4 will play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

1392

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

DISTRESS CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

1177

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

36
       
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.