Lake Cortez Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Cortez Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 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 | 80 ft (taller than 94.4% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 857 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 247 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,375 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
| NID ID | AR01206 |
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
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Private
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High Hazard 49 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Cortez Dam?
Lake Cortez 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 Lake Cortez Dam?
Lake Cortez Dam is owned by HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Cortez Dam built?
Lake Cortez Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Cortez Dam?
Lake Cortez 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 Cortez Dam?
Lake Cortez Dam has a dam height of 80 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 Cortez Dam last inspected?
Lake Cortez Dam was last inspected on January 31, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.