Shady Lake

SALINE CREEK· Polk, Arkansas· Built 1937· Concrete· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Shady Lake is classified as significant hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 59.1% in AR)
Dam Length163 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage270 acre-ft
Normal Storage270 acre-ft
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDAR00910

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 4, 2014
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USDA FS

Federal Government

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shady Lake?

Shady Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Shady Lake?

Shady Lake is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shady Lake built?

Shady Lake was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Shady Lake?

Shady Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Shady Lake?

Shady Lake 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 Shady Lake last inspected?

Shady Lake was last inspected on September 4, 2014. 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.