High Risk 🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control  ·  Arkansas

Blakely Mountain Dam Lake Ouachita AR

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  ARKANSAS

7 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Primary Risk Radius
20
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
50
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score7 / 10   High
Facility Type🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Operator / BranchUS Army Corps of Engineers
Host CountyGarland County AR
Nearest CityPepperell MA
Primary Risk Radius20 miles
Secondary Risk Radius50 miles

// Strategic Significance

Blakely Mountain Dam impounds Lake Ouachita — the largest lake entirely within Arkansas at over 40,000 acres. Built by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it serves dual purposes of hydroelectric power generation and critical flood control for the Ouachita River valley. A failure of this dam would send catastrophic flooding downstream through the Hot Springs metro area and into communities along the Ouachita River for hundreds of miles. The dam is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Hot Springs.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

Dam failure would produce a catastrophic flood wave through Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton, and the Ouachita River valley downstream. The Hot Springs metro area — with significant residential development along Lake Hamilton shores — would face immediate life-safety threat. Evacuation of the lake shore communities would need to begin immediately upon any dam safety emergency declaration.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

Follow Garland County OEM evacuation orders immediately. Move to high ground away from the Ouachita River valley and Lake Hamilton shoreline. Monitor USACE and National Weather Service alerts for dam safety status.

// Counties Within Risk Zone

// Cities Within Risk Zone