Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam

ARKANSAS· Arkansas, Arkansas· Built 1967· Concrete· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Navigation Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam is classified as significant hazard in Arkansas. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 years old. Its primary use is navigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 62.3% in AR)
Dam Length10,000 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage133.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage110.1K acre-ft
Surface Area10,600 acres
Drainage Area160,475 sq mi
Max Discharge371,200 cfs
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDAR00169

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: Yes
Last Inspection: December 2, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Little Rock District

Federal Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam?

Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam 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 Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam?

Wilbur D. Mills Lock and 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 Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam built?

Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam?

Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam serves the following purposes: Navigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam?

Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam last inspected?

Wilbur D. Mills Lock and Dam was last inspected on December 2, 2020. 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.