Moderate Risk 🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control  ·  Arkansas

Remmel Dam Lake Catherine AR

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  ARKANSAS

6 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Primary Risk Radius
10
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
20
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score6 / 10   Moderate
Facility Type🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Operator / BranchEntergy Arkansas
Host CountyHot Spring County AR
Nearest CityWashington DC
Primary Risk Radius10 miles
Secondary Risk Radius20 miles

// Strategic Significance

Remmel Dam, completed in 1924, was the first major dam on the Ouachita River and created Lake Catherine — a 1,940-acre lake about 12 miles southeast of Hot Springs. Built by Arkansas Power and Light (now Entergy) to generate hydroelectric power, it is the oldest major dam in the Hot Springs area. Lake Catherine State Park lies on its shores. Remmel Dam sits downstream of both Blakely Mountain and Carpenter dams, meaning a cascade failure scenario — where upstream dam failure overwhelms downstream structures — is a legitimate planning consideration.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

A failure of Remmel Dam would send floodwater downstream through the Ouachita River valley toward Malvern and beyond. Lake Catherine State Park and surrounding recreational communities would be directly impacted. The cascade failure risk from upstream dams adds complexity to emergency planning for this section of the Ouachita River.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

Follow Garland County and Hot Spring County OEM evacuation orders. Ouachita River valley residents downstream should move to high ground. Monitor USACE and Entergy dam safety communications.

// Counties Within Risk Zone

// Cities Within Risk Zone