Bella Vista Lake Dam

LITTLE SUGAR CREEK· Benton, Arkansas· Built 1918· Earth· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bella Vista Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 3% in AR)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage183 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Max Discharge2,200 cfs
Year Completed1918 (108 years old)
NID IDAR00190

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 10, 1979
State Regulated: No

Ownership

CITY OF BENTONVILLE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bella Vista Lake Dam?

Bella Vista Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bella Vista Lake Dam?

Bella Vista Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF BENTONVILLE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bella Vista Lake Dam built?

Bella Vista Lake Dam was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Bella Vista Lake Dam?

Bella Vista 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 Bella Vista Lake Dam?

Bella Vista Lake Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Bella Vista Lake Dam last inspected?

Bella Vista Lake Dam was last inspected on July 10, 1979. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.