Lake Wilhelmina Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Wilhelmina Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 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 | 75 ft (taller than 93.9% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 1,240 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,050 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00905 |
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
ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
State Government
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High Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Wilhelmina Dam?
Lake Wilhelmina 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 Wilhelmina Dam?
Lake Wilhelmina Dam is owned by ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Wilhelmina Dam built?
Lake Wilhelmina Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Wilhelmina Dam?
Lake Wilhelmina 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 Wilhelmina Dam?
Lake Wilhelmina Dam has a dam height of 75 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 Wilhelmina Dam last inspected?
Lake Wilhelmina Dam was last inspected on March 2, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.