Vache Grasse Creek
Vache Grasse Creek is a gravity dam located in Sebastian County, Arkansas, built in 1964. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Vache Grasse Creek
The primary purpose of Vache Grasse Creek 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 City Of Greenwood (local government). It impounds the Vache Grasse Creek near Greenwood.
The dam stands 53 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 100 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 950 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 24 square miles. Completed in 1964, 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 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 01/01/2025.
At 53 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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.
Location
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Sebastian |
| Nearest City | Greenwood |
| River/Stream | Vache Grasse Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.19333, -94.25000 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 53 ft |
| Dam Height | 53 ft |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,558 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Greenwood |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/01/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AR00936 |
| Federal ID | AR00936 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |