Ben Dearman Catfish Ponds Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Ben Dearman Catfish Ponds in Whynot, Mississippi, is a private earth dam structure constructed in 1964 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource for catfish farming in the area. Situated on TR- Hurricane Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is categorized as having a moderate risk, making it an essential component of the local water management system.
Owned and operated by a private entity, Ben Dearman Catfish Ponds do not fall under state regulation or inspection. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 82 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water flow during heavy rainfall events. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its low hazard potential and moderate risk level indicate a stable and secure structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Overall, Ben Dearman Catfish Ponds is a significant earth dam structure that supports catfish farming operations in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. With a history dating back to 1964, the dam continues to provide essential water storage and management capabilities for agricultural purposes. Despite its unregulated status, the dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk level highlight its importance in safeguarding water resources and mitigating potential risks associated with flooding and water scarcity in the area.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR- HURRICANE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sowashee Creek At Meridian
|
12cfs |
Okatibbee Creek At Arundel
|
69cfs |
Chickasawhay River At Enterprise
|
421cfs |
Chunky River Nr Chunky
|
179cfs |
Sucarnoochee River At Livingston Al
|
310cfs |
Bodka Creek Near Geiger
|
15cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Ben Dearman Catfish Ponds