Choctaw Lake Dam

BIG BRANCH-TR· Van Buren, Arkansas· Built 1953· Earth· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Choctaw Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 15% in AR)
Dam Length730 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDAR00204

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
State Regulated: No

Ownership

EARDY SHANNON

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Choctaw Lake Dam?

Choctaw 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 Choctaw Lake Dam?

Choctaw Lake Dam is owned by EARDY SHANNON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Choctaw Lake Dam built?

Choctaw Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Choctaw Lake Dam?

Choctaw 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 Choctaw Lake Dam?

Choctaw Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 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.

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.