Big Creek Wid Site 16 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Creek Wid Site 16 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Sterling Springs, Arkansas, designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13 feet, with a storage capacity of 1,780 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and recreation, with a drainage area of 2.6 square miles and a maximum discharge of 792 cubic feet per second.

With a surface area of 44 acres and a normal storage capacity of 175 acre-feet, Big Creek Wid Site 16 is regulated by the state of Arkansas and falls under the jurisdiction of the ANRC. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the condition of the dam is currently not rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the structure has not been evaluated for its emergency action plan or inundation maps, highlighting areas for potential improvement in risk management. Overall, Big Creek Wid Site 16 is an essential piece of infrastructure for flood control in the region, showcasing the importance of water resource management in addressing climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

MUD CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

1780

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.