Mills Brothers Catfish Ponds Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Bolivar, Mississippi, Mills Brothers Catfish Ponds is a private water resource managed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This Earth dam was completed in 1962 and stands at a height of 8 feet, with a length of 12,000 feet and a storage capacity of 1,260 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and irrigation for the surrounding area.

The catfish ponds are situated near TR-Jordan Bayou, within the Vicksburg District. Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 2 feet, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The risk assessment for Mills Brothers Catfish Ponds is moderate, with a risk level of 3.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mills Brothers Catfish Ponds offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of agriculture, water management, and environmental sustainability. With a rich history dating back to the early 1960s, this Earth dam continues to play a crucial role in supporting local aquaculture and ecosystem health. As efforts to address climate change and water scarcity intensify, understanding and preserving sites like Mills Brothers Catfish Ponds becomes increasingly important for the future of water resource management.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

12000

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR- JORDAN BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

1260

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.