James Fork Dam & Reservoir

About James Fork Dam & Reservoir

The primary purpose of James Fork Dam & Reservoir 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 James Fork Regional Water District (local government). It impounds the Poteau River-trs near Hartford.

The dam stands 94 feet tall and stretches 2,070 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 212 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 8,390 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 10 square miles. Completed in 1991, the structure is 35 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 09/23/2025.

At 94 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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.

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