Big Creek Wid Site 02

Big Creek Wid Site 02 is an earth dam located in Greene County, Arkansas, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Big Creek Wid Site 02

The primary purpose of Big Creek Wid Site 02 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 Big Creek Wid near Sterling Springs.

The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 2,050 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 335 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,404 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1974, 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. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/20/2025.

At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.

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 HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateArkansas
CountyGreene
Nearest CitySterling Springs
River/StreamBig Creek Wid
Coordinates35.97056, -90.72333

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height36 ft
Dam Height35 ft
Dam Length2,050 ft
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage6,404 acre-ft
Max Storage6,404 acre-ft
Normal Storage2,570 acre-ft
Surface Area335 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge285 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerArkansas Game and Fish Commission
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection08/20/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDAR00437
Federal IDAR00437
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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