Lake Columbia Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Columbia Dam, located in Friendship, Arkansas, is a significant earth dam completed in 1986 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 40 feet and a length of 6400 feet, this dam has a maximum storage capacity of 66,063 acre-feet and a normal storage of 28,787 acre-feet. It spans a surface area of 2751 acres and drains an area of 46 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state agency.

The dam poses a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite this, it is actively monitored, with the last inspection conducted in March 2013. The dam is equipped with outlet gates for controlled release of water and has a maximum discharge capacity of 11,580 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area is at risk of inundation, but emergency action plans and risk assessment measures have not been clearly defined. Lake Columbia Dam is a crucial water resource structure in Columbia County, Arkansas, ensuring a stable water supply for the region.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

6400

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

BEECH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2751

Drainage Area

46

Nid Storage

66063

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

40
       
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.