Mary Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mary Lake Dam, located in Sharp County, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1995 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 31.6 feet with a structural height of 38 feet and a hydraulic height of 29.6 feet. It has a capacity to store 269 acre-feet of water with a normal storage of 213 acre-feet and a surface area of 16 acres. The dam is situated on Turkey Creek and is managed by the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Mary Lake Dam has not been inspected since November 2006 and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The dam has no emergency action plan in place, and there is limited information available on its risk assessment and management measures. While the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, its maintenance and safety protocols may need to be reevaluated to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems in the event of a potential failure.

With a maximum discharge capacity of 650 cubic feet per second and no spillway system in place, there are concerns about the dam's ability to manage high water levels during extreme weather events. Climate change projections indicate an increased frequency and intensity of such events, highlighting the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for dams like Mary Lake Dam to mitigate potential risks and protect water resources and communities downstream.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

31.6

River Or Stream

TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

29.6

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

269

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

38
       
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.