Echols Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Echols Lake Dam, located in Sebastian County, Arkansas, was completed in 1946 and serves as a crucial water resource along the Arkansas River.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 26.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its recreational significance, Echols Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its structural characteristics. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, indicating a need for continued monitoring and maintenance. Emergency action plans have not been prepared or updated, raising concerns about the preparedness for potential disasters. As a water resource and climate enthusiast, understanding the risks associated with Echols Lake Dam is crucial for ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of this vital infrastructure.

As a water resource enthusiast, it is important to monitor the condition of Echols Lake Dam and advocate for necessary risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. With a high hazard potential and limited information on its condition assessment and emergency preparedness, there is a need for increased oversight and proactive measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this important dam. By staying informed and advocating for proper maintenance and risk assessment, enthusiasts can play a vital role in safeguarding Echols Lake Dam and its surrounding environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

26.3

River Or Stream

ARKANSAS RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

23.3

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

85

Structural Height

26.3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.