Cherokee Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Cherokee Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 | 846 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 531 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 516 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,674 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00248 |
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
CHEROKEE VILLAGE SID
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 86 ftSequoyah Lake Dam
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High Hazard 28 ftLake June Dam
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High Hazard 29 ftLake Mirandy Dam
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High Hazard 39 ftWhite Horse Mountain Dam
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Low Hazard 35 ftWild Plum Lake Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftLake Navajo Dam
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High Hazard 44 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cherokee Lake Dam?
Cherokee 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 Cherokee Lake Dam?
Cherokee Lake Dam is owned by CHEROKEE VILLAGE SID (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cherokee Lake Dam built?
Cherokee Lake Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Cherokee Lake Dam?
Cherokee 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 Cherokee Lake Dam?
Cherokee 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 Cherokee Lake Dam last inspected?
Cherokee Lake Dam was last inspected on April 23, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.