Lake Mena Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Mena Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 | 35 ft (taller than 68.6% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 975 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 920 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 67 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 908 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00906 |
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
MR. FRED L. HAMPTON
Private
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Significant Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Mena Dam?
Lake Mena 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 Mena Dam?
Lake Mena Dam is owned by MR. FRED L. HAMPTON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Mena Dam built?
Lake Mena Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Mena Dam?
Lake Mena 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 Mena Dam?
Lake Mena Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Mena Dam last inspected?
Lake Mena Dam was last inspected on March 2, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.