Lake Erling Dam
Lake Erling Dam is a rockfill dam located in Lafayette County, Arkansas, built in 1956. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Erling Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Erling Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by The Agred Foundation (private). It impounds the Bodcau near Springhill--louisiana.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 4,390 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,350 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 138,250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 408 square miles. Completed in 1956, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/05/2025.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Lafayette |
| Nearest City | Springhill--louisiana |
| River/Stream | Bodcau |
| Coordinates | 33.05000, -93.52528 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,390 ft |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 138,250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 138,250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 76,750 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,350 acres |
| Drainage Area | 408 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,000 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | The AGRED Foundation |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AR00872 |
| Federal ID | AR00872 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |