Crystal Lake Dam
Crystal Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Benton County, Arkansas, built in 1959. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Crystal Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Crystal Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Arkansas Game And Fish Commission (state). It impounds the Wolf Creek near Decatur.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 340 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 42 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 894 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1959, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 08/21/2025.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Benton |
| Nearest City | Decatur |
| River/Stream | Wolf Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.34333, -94.44333 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 894 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 894 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 674 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,975 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/21/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AR00260 |
| Federal ID | AR00260 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |