Lower White Oak Dam
Key Takeaway
Lower White Oak Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 30 ft (taller than 59.1% in AR) |
| Dam Length | 2,837 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 24.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 13.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | AR00633 |
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
Nearby Dams
White Oak Lake Upper Dam
Ouachita, AR
Significant Hazard 21 ftBeavers Lake Dam
Ouachita, AR
Low HazardArnoname 68 A.F.C.
Nevada, AR
Low Hazard 14 ftBragg Lake Dam
Ouachita, AR
Low Hazard 17 ftSaxon Lake Dam
Ouachita, AR
Low Hazard 18 ftBarham Lake Dam No 2
Nevada, AR
Low Hazard 33 ftBarham Lake Dam No 1
Nevada, AR
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower White Oak Dam?
Lower White Oak 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 Lower White Oak Dam?
Lower White Oak 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 Lower White Oak Dam built?
Lower White Oak Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Lower White Oak Dam?
Lower White Oak 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 Lower White Oak Dam?
Lower White Oak Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Lower White Oak Dam last inspected?
Lower White Oak Dam was last inspected on June 8, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.