Foster Dam

SLOAN CREEK-TR· Columbia, Arkansas· Built 1962· Earth· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Foster Dam is classified as low hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 3.7% in AR)
Dam Length560 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage147 acre-ft
Normal Storage84 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,560 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDAR00785

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
Last Inspection: July 22, 2004
State Regulated: No

Ownership

F. H. GOWER COMPANY, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Davis Lake Dam

Ouachita, AR

Low Hazard

Wilson Lake Dam

Columbia, AR

Low Hazard

Graysons Dam

Ouachita, AR

Significant Hazard 8 ft

Hassics

Ouachita, AR

Low Hazard 11 ft

Brigham Lake Dam

Ouachita, AR

Low Hazard

Bearden Lake Dam

Columbia, AR

Low Hazard

Lake Sue Dam

Columbia, AR

Low Hazard

Lake Landers Dam

Ouachita, AR

Low Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Foster Dam?

Foster 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 Foster Dam?

Foster Dam is owned by F. H. GOWER COMPANY, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Foster Dam built?

Foster Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Foster Dam?

Foster 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 Foster Dam?

Foster Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Foster Dam last inspected?

Foster Dam was last inspected on July 22, 2004. 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.