Lake Thunderbird Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Thunderbird Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 86 ft (taller than 95.6% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 1,587 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 237 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,062 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00250 |
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
CHEROKEE VILLAGE SID
Private
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High Hazard 25 ftWhite Horse Mountain Dam
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Low Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Thunderbird Dam?
Lake Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird Dam?
Lake Thunderbird Dam is owned by CHEROKEE VILLAGE SID (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Thunderbird Dam built?
Lake Thunderbird Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Thunderbird Dam?
Lake Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird Dam?
Lake Thunderbird Dam 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 Thunderbird Dam last inspected?
Lake Thunderbird Dam was last inspected on April 18, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.