Graysons Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hassics Davis Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Graysons Dam, located in Ouachita, Arkansas, is a private earth dam completed in 1959 for recreational purposes along the Smackover Creek.
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Summary
With a height of 8 feet and a length of 600 feet, the dam offers a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.7 acres. Despite having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been rated and it has not been inspected since 1978.
The dam's location in Stephens, Arkansas, offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature with opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. While the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, its construction along the Smackover Creek also contributes to the local ecosystem by providing habitat for aquatic life. However, the lack of regulatory oversight and inspections raises concerns about the dam's long-term safety and maintenance.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Graysons Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational structure in need of attention and potential improvements. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, ensuring the safety and sustainability of dams like Graysons becomes increasingly crucial for both human recreation and environmental conservation in Arkansas.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
SMACKOVER CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
0.26 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smackover Creek Near Smackover
|
109cfs |
Ouachita River At Camden
|
3820cfs |
Bayou Dorcheat Near Springhill
|
205cfs |
Little Corney Bayou Near Lillie
|
358cfs |
Antoine River At Antoine
|
97cfs |
Moro Creek Near Fordyce
|
1580cfs |
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.
Graysons Dam