Oakes Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hedgepeth Lake Dam Earl Sims Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Oakes Lake Dam is a private dam located in Attala, Mississippi, with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam is classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, standing at a height of 12 feet and capable of storing 64 acre-feet of water. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a moderate risk level. It lacks an official condition assessment and emergency action plan, indicating potential vulnerabilities in case of a dam failure. Oakes Lake Dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and does not have any associated locks or outlet gates.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oakes Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment. With its recreational purpose and private ownership, the dam's risk level, lack of official assessments, and regulatory oversight by state agencies raise important questions about the safety and resilience of such structures in the face of changing climate conditions and increased water resource management challenges.
Dam Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Black River At West
|
223cfs |
Yockanookany River Nr Kosciusko
|
45cfs |
Harland Creek Nr Howard
|
3340cfs |
Abiaca Creek At Cruger
|
44cfs |
Batupan Bogue At Grenada
|
134cfs |
Yockanookany River Nr Ofahoma
|
103cfs |
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.
Oakes Lake Dam