Nimrod Dam

FOURCHE LA FAVE· Perry, Arkansas· Built 1942· Concrete· 97 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Nimrod Dam is classified as high hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 97 ft (taller than 97.4% in AR)
Dam Length1,012 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage336.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage29.0K acre-ft
Surface Area3,550 acres
Drainage Area680 sq mi
Max Discharge49,000 cfs
Year Completed1942 (84 years old)
NID IDAR00158

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: February 15, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Little Rock District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nimrod Dam?

Nimrod 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 Nimrod Dam?

Nimrod Dam is owned by USACE - Little Rock District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Nimrod Dam built?

Nimrod Dam was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Nimrod Dam?

Nimrod Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Nimrod Dam?

Nimrod Dam has a dam height of 97 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 Nimrod Dam last inspected?

Nimrod Dam was last inspected on February 15, 2021. 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.