Gillham Dam
Key Takeaway
Gillham Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 | 160 ft (taller than 99% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 221.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 33.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 271 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 272,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | AR01200 |
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
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Gillham Dam?
Gillham 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 Gillham Dam?
Gillham 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 Gillham Dam built?
Gillham Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Gillham Dam?
Gillham 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 Gillham Dam?
Gillham Dam has a dam height of 160 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 Gillham Dam last inspected?
Gillham Dam was last inspected on December 7, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.