Lake St. Frances Reservoir Report
Nearby: Scenic Hills Lake Dam Telico Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake St.
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Summary
Frances is a private recreational reservoir located in St. Francis, Arkansas, near the city of Madison. Built in 1960, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 45 feet and spans 1150 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 4000 acre-feet of water. With a surface area of 390 acres and a drainage area of 13.4 square miles, the reservoir offers ample space for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Despite its primary purpose for recreation, Lake St. Frances also serves as a significant water resource for the surrounding community. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 2700 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. However, the dam's hazard potential is categorized as significant, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
Although the condition assessment of Lake St. Frances is currently listed as "Not Rated," the reservoir remains a valuable asset for both recreational and water resource purposes. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of sustainable management practices for reservoirs like Lake St. Frances is essential in ensuring the long-term health and viability of these vital water sources in our communities.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1150 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
CROW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
390 |
Hydraulic Height |
45 |
Drainage Area |
13.4 |
Nid Storage |
4000 |
Structural Height |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
45 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Languille River Near Colt
|
12cfs |
Languille River At Palestine
|
11cfs |
Cache River Near Cotton Plant
|
104cfs |
Mississippi River At Memphis
|
235000cfs |
White River Near Augusta
|
11700cfs |
White River At Georgetown
|
11200cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake St. Frances