Mt Ida Water Supply Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mt Ida Water Supply Dam, also known as the South Fork Watershed Site 01, is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Montgomery County, Arkansas.


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Summary

Built in 1991 by USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 86 feet and spans 767 feet across Big Cedar Creek. With a storage capacity of 7250 acre-feet, the dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction while also supporting water supply needs in the region.

Managed by the local government with regulatory oversight from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Mt Ida Water Supply Dam is a key component of the water management system in the area. The dam's high hazard potential necessitates regular inspections, although its condition is currently not rated. In case of emergencies, the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates to manage excess water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2973 cubic feet per second.

Situated within the Vicksburg District, Mt Ida Water Supply Dam plays a crucial role in preserving water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Montgomery County, Arkansas.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

767

Dam Height

86

River Or Stream

BIG CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

85

Drainage Area

5.7

Nid Storage

7250

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

86
       
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.