Hughes Lake Dam

SUGAR CREEK-OS· Clay, Arkansas· Built 1955· Earth· 21 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hughes Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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 21 ft (taller than 30.9% in AR)
Dam Length710 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage177 acre-ft
Normal Storage140 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge223 cfs
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDAR00483

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 20, 1992
State Regulated: No

Ownership

C W KNAUTS/JACK EVANS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hughes Lake Dam?

Hughes 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 Hughes Lake Dam?

Hughes Lake Dam is owned by C W KNAUTS/JACK EVANS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hughes Lake Dam built?

Hughes Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Hughes Lake Dam?

Hughes 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 Hughes Lake Dam?

Hughes Lake Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Hughes Lake Dam last inspected?

Hughes Lake Dam was last inspected on August 20, 1992. 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.