Big Creek Wid Site 21 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Creek Wid Site 21, located in Craighead County, Arkansas, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along Shelton Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at 34 feet high and stretches 1080 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 644 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in a condition that has not been rated, with a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.
The primary purpose of Big Creek Wid Site 21 is flood risk reduction, although it also serves recreational purposes for the local community. Being regulated by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, the dam is subject to state inspections, permitting, and enforcement. In case of emergencies, such as a breach in the dam, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, raising concerns about the readiness of response measures. Overall, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding, highlighting the significance of proper maintenance and risk management strategies for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor closely.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1080 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
SHELTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
644 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cache River At Egypt
|
21cfs |
Black River At Black Rock
|
4380cfs |
Black River At Elgin Ferry
|
3850cfs |
White River At Newport
|
12100cfs |
Black River At Pocahontas
|
3170cfs |
Spring River At Imboden
|
563cfs |
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.
Big Creek Wid Site 21