Lake Navajo Dam

BIG OTTER CREEK-OS· Sharp, Arkansas· Built 1964· Earth· 44 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Navajo Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 44 ft (taller than 78.3% in AR)
Dam Length657 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage614 acre-ft
Normal Storage580 acre-ft
Surface Area34 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,450 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDAR00247

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 23, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ANRC

Ownership

CHEROKEE VILLAGE SID

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Navajo Dam?

Lake Navajo 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 Navajo Dam?

Lake Navajo Dam is owned by CHEROKEE VILLAGE SID (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Navajo Dam built?

Lake Navajo Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Navajo Dam?

Lake Navajo 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 Navajo Dam?

Lake Navajo Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Navajo Dam last inspected?

Lake Navajo Dam was last inspected on April 23, 2015. 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.