Greers Ferry Dam - Saddle Dike 2

Greers Ferry Dam - Saddle Dike 2 is an earth dam located in Cleburne County, Arkansas, built in 1962. It carries a High hazard potential classification.

About Greers Ferry Dam - Saddle Dike 2

The primary purpose of Greers Ferry Dam - Saddle Dike 2 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Usace - Little Rock District (federal). It impounds the Little Red near Heber Springs.

The dam stands 72 feet tall and stretches 3,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 31,460 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,844,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,146 square miles. Completed in 1962, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/21/2024.

At 72 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Arkansas dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardNot Available ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateArkansas
CountyCleburne
Nearest CityHeber Springs
River/StreamLittle Red
Coordinates35.47544, -92.08944

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height72 ft
Dam Height43 ft
Dam Length3,000 ft
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,844,000 acre-ft
Max Storage2,844,000 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,910,000 acre-ft
Surface Area31,460 acres
Drainage Area1,146 sq mi
Spillway TypeNone

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerUSACE - Little Rock District
Owner TypeFederal
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentNot Available
Last Inspection11/21/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDAR00173
Federal IDAR00173S002
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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