Beaver Dam
Key Takeaway
Beaver Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 228 ft (taller than 99.7% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 720 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 2.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28,220 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,186 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 342,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00174 |
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
USACE - Little Rock District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Beaver Dam?
Beaver 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 Beaver Dam?
Beaver Dam is owned by USACE - Little Rock District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Beaver Dam built?
Beaver Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Beaver Dam?
Beaver Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Beaver Dam?
Beaver Dam has a dam height of 228 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 Beaver Dam last inspected?
Beaver Dam was last inspected on July 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.