Zumwalt's Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Zumwalt's Dam, located in Hempstead, Arkansas, was completed in 1984 and is primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Managed by a private owner, the dam stands at 18 feet high with a hydraulic height of 13.2 feet and a structural height of 19.5 feet. The dam spans 1400 feet in length and has a maximum storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 0.6 square miles along Howard Creek.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Zumwalt's Dam is classified as an Earth dam type with uncontrolled spillway. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," and it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. Despite its modest size and risk level, this structure plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation, recreation, and other purposes in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Zumwalt's Dam to be an interesting case study in sustainable water management practices within a private ownership framework.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

HOWARD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

13.2

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

19.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.