Lake Desoto
Key Takeaway
Lake Desoto is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 86 ft (taller than 95.6% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 1,280 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,880 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00719 |
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
Nearby Dams
Lake Cortez Dam
Garland, AR
High Hazard 80 ftLake Segovia
Garland, AR
Low Hazard 35 ftPineda Dam
Garland, AR
Significant Hazard 55 ftBig Lake Dam
Garland, AR
Low Hazard 26 ftLake Coronado Dam
Saline, AR
Significant Hazard 87 ftLake Lago Dam
Saline, AR
Low Hazard 130 ftNooner Lake Dam
Garland, AR
Low HazardRockwood Dam
Garland, AR
High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Desoto?
Lake Desoto 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 Desoto?
Lake Desoto 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 Desoto built?
Lake Desoto was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Desoto?
Lake Desoto serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Desoto?
Lake Desoto has a dam height of 86 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 Desoto last inspected?
Lake Desoto was last inspected on January 31, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.