Balboa Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Balboa Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 49 ft (taller than 82.2% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 6,246 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 33.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 23.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 892 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 79,011 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
| NID ID | AR01451 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 130 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Balboa Lake Dam?
Balboa Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Balboa Lake Dam?
Balboa Lake Dam is owned by HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Balboa Lake Dam built?
Balboa Lake Dam was completed in 1986, making it 40 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Balboa Lake Dam?
Balboa Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Balboa Lake Dam?
Balboa Lake Dam has a dam height of 49 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Balboa Lake Dam last inspected?
Balboa Lake Dam was last inspected on January 30, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.