Joe Hardin Lock and Dam

ARKANSAS· Jefferson, Arkansas· Built 1968· Concrete· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Navigation Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Joe Hardin Lock and Dam is classified as significant hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is navigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 54.3% in AR)
Dam Length6,720 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage50.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage46.4K acre-ft
Surface Area3,670 acres
Drainage Area159,018 sq mi
Max Discharge291,600 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDAR00168

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: December 4, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Little Rock District

Federal Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Joe Hardin Lock and Dam?

Joe Hardin Lock and 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 Joe Hardin Lock and Dam?

Joe Hardin Lock and 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 Joe Hardin Lock and Dam built?

Joe Hardin Lock and Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Joe Hardin Lock and Dam?

Joe Hardin Lock and Dam serves the following purposes: Navigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Joe Hardin Lock and Dam?

Joe Hardin Lock and Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Joe Hardin Lock and Dam last inspected?

Joe Hardin Lock and Dam was last inspected on December 4, 2019. 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.