Blue Mountain Dam
Key Takeaway
Blue Mountain Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 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 | 115 ft (taller than 98.3% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 2,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 258.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,910 acres |
| Drainage Area | 488 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 76,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1947 (79 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00157 |
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
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High Hazard 64 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Blue Mountain Dam?
Blue Mountain 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 Blue Mountain Dam?
Blue Mountain 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 Blue Mountain Dam built?
Blue Mountain Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Blue Mountain Dam?
Blue Mountain Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Blue Mountain Dam?
Blue Mountain Dam has a dam height of 115 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 Blue Mountain Dam last inspected?
Blue Mountain Dam was last inspected on June 15, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.