Nichols Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oaklimeter Creek Watershed Structure Lt-8-40 Dam Oaklimeter Creek Watershed Structure Lt-8-35 Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nichols Lake Dam, located in Benton, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and a height of 15 feet, providing a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Nichols Lake Dam is considered to be in satisfactory condition, although it has not been formally rated. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway type, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not specified in the available data. The dam's location within the Vicksburg District of the US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction further highlights its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Overall, Nichols Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Mississippi while also playing a role in water resource management and risk mitigation. As climate change continues to impact the region, the maintenance and regulation of structures like Nichols Lake Dam are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources for future generations. Further evaluation and monitoring of the dam's condition and risk management measures will be crucial to adapt to changing environmental conditions and ensure continued functionality and safety.
Dam Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
156cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
227cfs |
Yocona River Nr Oxford
|
96cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
497cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
104cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
153cfs |
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.
Nichols Lake Dam