Lake Atkins Dam

HORSEHEAD BRANCH· Pope, Arkansas· Built 1946· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Atkins Dam is classified as significant hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 44.1% in AR)
Dam Length2,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage13.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage7.8K acre-ft
Surface Area752 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge1,525 cfs
Year Completed1946 (80 years old)
NID IDAR00271

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: No
Last Inspection: April 5, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ANRC

Ownership

ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Atkins Dam?

Lake Atkins 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 Lake Atkins Dam?

Lake Atkins Dam is owned by ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Atkins Dam built?

Lake Atkins Dam was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Lake Atkins Dam?

Lake Atkins 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 Lake Atkins Dam?

Lake Atkins Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Lake Atkins Dam last inspected?

Lake Atkins Dam was last inspected on April 5, 2016. 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.