Forbis Lake Dam dam
Forbis Lake Dam
Forbis Lake Dam, located in Polk, Arkansas, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1952 for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 18 feet and with a maximum storage capacity of 144 acre-feet, the dam serves as a barrier on Gap Creek-TR, providing a serene recreational area for water and climate enthusiasts to explore. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam offers a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors.
Despite not being regulated by the state or federal agencies, Forbis Lake Dam has been a popular spot for outdoor activities since its completion. With a structural height of 18 feet and a hydraulic height of 13 feet, the dam spans 655 feet in length and offers a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. While the dam has not been assessed for risk management measures or emergency action plans, its low hazard potential and tranquil surroundings make it a great destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Arkansas wilderness.
Owned by a private entity, Forbis Lake Dam continues to be a beloved destination for recreation enthusiasts in the Polk County area. With a normal storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 470 cfs, the dam provides a controlled environment for outdoor activities while maintaining a harmonious balance with the surrounding ecosystem. As a non-USACE structure, the dam may not receive the same level of oversight as federally owned dams, but its enduring appeal and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Forbis Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cossatot River Near Vandervoort | 43 cfs | → |
| Ouachita River Near Mount Ida | 451 cfs | → |
| Little Missouri River Near Langley | 23 cfs | → |
| Poteau River At Cauthron | 74 cfs | → |
| Black Fork Below Big Creek Nr Page | 238 cfs | → |
| Poteau River At Loving | 149 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Forbis Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Polk Road 3 Polk County
- Polk Road 474 Polk County
- Gillham Lake Road Howard County
- Blue Ridge Road Howard County
- Howard County
Campgrounds
- Mill Creek Family Camp
- Bard Springs Recreation Area
- Bard Springs
- Shirley Creek
- Shady Lake
- Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Fishing spots
- Irons Fork Reservoir
- Lake Wilhelmina
- South Fork Saline River
- Shady Lake
- Big Brushy Creek Day Use
- Saline River
Paddle runs
- Headwaters In Sec 8, T1s, R31w To Nf Boundary At Acorn, Ar
- Nf Boundary At Pine Ridge, Ar To Highway 298 Bridge Near Sims, Ar
- Sec 30, T3s, R27w To Sec 19, T4s, R24w
- Highway 298 Bridge Near Sims, Ar To Slackwater Of Lake Ouachita
- State Highway 4 To Broken Bow Lake
- Confluence Of East And West Forks, Sec 7, T3s, R23e To Nf Boundary Sec 32, T4s, R23e
Track Forbis Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Forbis Lake Dam
Where does the data for Forbis Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Forbis Lake Dam.