South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 5 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Perryville, Arkansas, along Cedar Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1997 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 93 feet with a structural height of 99 feet and a length of 443 feet. It serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and has a normal storage capacity of 786 acre-feet, providing protection to the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 5 has a low hazard potential and is considered to have a moderate risk level. With a drainage area of 25.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1184 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the structure has not been rated for its condition assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the community.

Overall, South Fourche Lafave Wid Site 5 is a vital infrastructure project in Perry County, Arkansas, contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area. With its strategic location along Cedar Creek and its significant storage capacity, this dam serves as a key asset in reducing flood risks and protecting the local population from potential disasters. Despite its age, continued oversight and maintenance will be essential to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of this critical flood control structure.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

443

Dam Height

93

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

85

Hydraulic Height

93

Drainage Area

25.8

Nid Storage

16308

Structural Height

99

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

99
       
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.