Big Pond Dam

TURTLE CREEK-OS· Craighead, Arkansas· Built 1940· Earth·
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Big Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Length519 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage54 acre-ft
Normal Storage28 acre-ft
Max Discharge939 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDAR01283

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: No

Ownership

ARKANSAS STATE COLLEGE

State Government

Nearby Dams

Big Creek Wid Site 19

Craighead, AR

High Hazard 31 ft

Big Creek Wid Site 20

Craighead, AR

High Hazard 20 ft

Poinsett Wid Site 20

Craighead, AR

High Hazard 24 ft

Craighead Forest Lake Dam

Craighead, AR

Significant Hazard 31 ft

Big Creek Wid Site 18

Craighead, AR

Significant Hazard 26 ft

Poinsett Site 127

Craighead, AR

High Hazard 12 ft

Big Creek Wid Site 17

Craighead, AR

Low Hazard 28 ft

Mary Simpson Pond Dam

Craighead, AR

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Pond Dam?

Big Pond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Big Pond Dam?

Big Pond Dam is owned by ARKANSAS STATE COLLEGE (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Big Pond Dam built?

Big Pond Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Big Pond Dam?

Big Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

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.