Craighead Forest Lake Dam

HIGGINBOTTOM CREEK· Craighead, Arkansas· Built 1952· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Craighead Forest Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 62.3% in AR)
Dam Length1,076 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage652 acre-ft
Normal Storage526 acre-ft
Surface Area55 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge574 cfs
Year Completed1952 (74 years old)
NID IDAR00474

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: Yes
Last Inspection: May 21, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ANRC

Ownership

CITY OF JONESBORO

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Craighead Forest Lake Dam?

Craighead Forest 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 Craighead Forest Lake Dam?

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

When was Craighead Forest Lake Dam built?

Craighead Forest Lake Dam was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Craighead Forest Lake Dam?

Craighead Forest 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 Craighead Forest Lake Dam?

Craighead Forest Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Craighead Forest Lake Dam last inspected?

Craighead Forest Lake Dam was last inspected on May 21, 2015. 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.