Lake Isabella Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Isabella Dam, located in Saline, Arkansas, is a private dam that stands at 35 feet tall and stretches 1336 feet in length.


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Summary

Completed in 1999, the dam serves the primary purpose of regulating the flow of the Slate Branch river. With a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet and a surface area of 24.2 acres, Lake Isabella Dam plays a key role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and structural integrity. Despite being rated as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated. Although there are no associated structures or locks, the dam serves as a critical component in the area's water management system and plays a vital role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding communities.

Lake Isabella Dam's importance in water resource management cannot be understated, as it provides crucial regulation of water flow and storage in the region. With its significant hazard potential and state-regulated status, the dam requires regular inspections to ensure the safety of nearby residents and infrastructure. As a key piece of infrastructure in Saline, Arkansas, Lake Isabella Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable water supplies for future generations.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

1336

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

SLATE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.2

Drainage Area

1.32

Nid Storage

152

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
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.