Lake Columbia Dam
Lake Columbia Dam is an earth dam located in Columbia County, Arkansas, built in 1986. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lake Columbia Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Columbia 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 Columbia County (local government). It impounds the Beech Creek near Friendship.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 6,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,751 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 66,063 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 46 square miles. Completed in 1986, the structure is 40 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 10/08/2024.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Columbia |
| Nearest City | Friendship |
| River/Stream | Beech Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.28806, -93.40639 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 66,063 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 66,063 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28,787 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,751 acres |
| Drainage Area | 46 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,580 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Columbia County |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/08/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AR01478 |
| Federal ID | AR01478 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |