Big Creek Wid Site 02 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Creek Wid Site 02, also known as Frierson, is a state-owned earth dam located in Sterling Springs, Arkansas.


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Summary

Built in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Big Creek Wid stream. With a dam height of 35 feet and a hydraulic height of 23 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 6,404 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 335 acres, with a drainage area of 3.5 square miles.

Managed by the Arkansas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, Big Creek Wid Site 02 has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment ranking. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular state inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2016. The spillway is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates also operate in this manner. The dam's surroundings offer recreational opportunities in addition to flood protection, making it a valuable asset in the region for both water resource management and climate resilience.

Located in Greene County, Arkansas, Big Creek Wid Site 02 is part of the Little Rock District under the oversight of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With its strategic placement and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Big Creek Wid Site 02 are vital for safeguarding against extreme weather events and promoting sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

2050

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

BIG CREEK WID

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

335

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

3.5

Nid Storage

6404

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

36
       
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.