Crain Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crain Lake Dam, located in Sebastian County, Arkansas, was completed in 1950 with a primary purpose of debris control.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a structural height of 16 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet, serves to regulate the flow of the Arkansas River-TR. With a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned privately and not regulated by the state, Crain Lake Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any modifications or assessments in recent years. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2563 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle potential flood events and contribute to the overall safety of the surrounding area.

In addition to its primary function of debris control, the dam also serves recreational purposes for the local community. With a location in FT SMITH and a distance of 0 miles from the city, Crain Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

ARKANSAS RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.