James Maxwell Lake dam
James Maxwell Lake
Located in Bolivar, Mississippi, the James Maxwell Lake is a private recreational reservoir constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS. With a dam height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 1022 acre-feet, this earth dam on TR-DEER CREEK serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 2 feet, and it is classified as having a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment.
Owned privately and primarily used for recreation, James Maxwell Lake offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities and relaxation. The reservoir spans 11,880 feet in length and is situated in a picturesque location near STRING TOWN. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of water management and conservation efforts in the region. Despite not being regulated or inspected by state agencies, the lake remains a safe and enjoyable destination for visitors.
Visitors to James Maxwell Lake can appreciate its natural beauty and serene surroundings, while also recognizing the importance of responsible water usage and environmental stewardship. The presence of this reservoir highlights the intersection of human development and nature, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance required to sustain water resources for future generations. As a valuable asset to the community, the lake contributes to the overall quality of life and serves as a source of inspiration for those passionate about water conservation and climate resilience.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around James Maxwell Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bogue Phalia Nr Leland | 47 cfs | → |
| Big Sunflower River Nr Merigold | 180 cfs | → |
| Big Sunflower River At Sunflower | 516 cfs | → |
| Bayou Bartholomew Near Mcgehee | 57 cfs | → |
| Bayou Macon At Eudora | 5 cfs | → |
| Bayou Bartholomew Near Portland | 82 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near James Maxwell Lake.
Track James Maxwell Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About James Maxwell Lake
Where does the data for James Maxwell Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of James Maxwell Lake.