Definition
Lake Dardanelle is a man‑made reservoir on the Arkansas River in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is created and regulated by the Dardanelle Lock and Dam, which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Overview
Lake Dardanelle extends through parts of Yell, Pope, and Logan counties, lying roughly between the cities of Russellville and Dardanelle. The reservoir serves multiple purposes, including flood control, navigation, water supply, hydroelectric generation, and recreation. Since its completion in the mid‑1960s, the lake has become a regional destination for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The surrounding area includes state parks, campgrounds, and public access sites.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Dardanelle” derives from the adjacent town of Dardanelle, Arkansas. The town’s name is believed to be a variant spelling of “Dardanelles,” the historic strait in northwestern Turkey, a reference chosen by early settlers; however, definitive documentation of the naming rationale is limited.
Characteristics
- Creation: Formed by the construction of Dardanelle Lock and Dam, completed in 1965.
- Surface area: Approximately 10,500 acres (42 km²).
- Shoreline: About 32 miles (51 km) of shoreline.
- Capacity: Roughly 236,000 acre‑feet (291 million m³) of water storage.
- Depth: Mean depth is around 12 feet (3.7 m); maximum depth reaches about 30 feet (9.1 m).
- Hydrology: Receives inflow from the Arkansas River and several tributaries, including the Petit Jean River. Outflow is regulated through the lock and dam system to maintain navigation levels downstream.
- Ecology: Supports a mixed fishery with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye. The surrounding wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds, and other wildlife.
- Recreation: Facilities include marinas, boat ramps, campgrounds, and the Lake Dardanelle State Park, which offers hiking trails and picnic areas.
Related Topics
- Dardanelle Lock and Dam – the engineering structure that creates and manages the reservoir.
- Arkansas River – the major river system of which Lake Dardanelle is a part.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – the federal agency responsible for the dam’s operation and regional water resource management.
- Lake Dardanelle State Park – a state‑managed recreation area on the lake’s north shore.
- Hydroelectric power in Arkansas – the broader context of electricity generation from riverine reservoirs in the state.