Blue Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blue Lake Dam, located in Polk, Arkansas, was completed in 1976 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and stands at a structural height of 21 feet, with a hydraulic height of 17 feet. Blue Lake Dam regulates McKinney Creek and has a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 34 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Blue Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has not undergone recent inspections, and emergency action plans are not currently prepared or up to date. The surrounding area, including Potter Junction, relies on the dam for recreational activities and water storage. The dam poses little risk but lacks comprehensive risk assessment and management measures.

Blue Lake Dam, part of the Little Rock District under the US Army Corps of Engineers, serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area. While it provides recreational opportunities and regulates water flow in McKinney Creek, there are concerns about the lack of recent inspections and emergency preparedness. The dam's location and structure make it an important feature in the region, prompting the need for further evaluation and risk management measures to ensure its long-term sustainability and safety.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

MCKINNEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

59

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.