Based next to Blakely Mountain Dam at Lake Ouachita, the Ouachita Project Office oversees the operations of Lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Greeson. Within area of responsibility are 5 critical missions: Flood Damage Reduction, Hydropower, Environmental Stewardship, Water Supply and Recreation. These lakes and the missions they fulfill have a powerful impact on the people and economy of Arkansas.

No one mission is more important that another. All work together in a delicate tapestry to benefit the people of this state, and the Nation. We welcome visitors to our lakes, and urge them to keep in mind the multiple missions and responsibilities of our projects and staff.

Since 1953 Blakely Mountain Dam has stood a silent watch over Lake Ouachita. Providing hydropower, recreation, water supply and environmental stewardship, the Dam represents nearly every mission conducted by the Corps of Engineers. As this project ages, just like us humans, its time to keep a closer eye on how it performs.

Its age coupled with a recently discovered potential problem have led the Corps of Engineers to begin work on a new monitoring system for the dam. The system will closely monitor seepage through the structure. While all earthen dams seep and are designed to do so, this potential issue makes it important to monitor seepage and its effects more closely to ensure that Blakely Mountain Dam and lake Ouachita are around for generations to come.

While we keep a more watchful eye on Blakely Dam, today we also face the difficult task of matching service to funding, amid a growing list of critical maintenance items for our facilities. We are working closely with our stakeholders, the Arkansas Congressional delegation and local officials to find long term solutions to those problems. Together we will succeed in keeping these lakes and facilities open and operational for generations to come.

Please, take a moment to review the links to the left. These include the Blakely FAQ and “Thinks you should know” as well as the latest press release’ on Blakely Mountain and our campgrounds. If you still have questions feel free to email us at CEMVK-PA@usace.army.mil or contact the lake office directly at (lake.ouachita@mvk02.usace.army.mil).

Thanks for visiting!

For more information please, feel free to email our Public Affairs Office (CEMVK-PA@usace.army.mil) or the lake office directly at (lake.ouachita@mvk02.usace.army.mil).

Thanks for visiting!