Massey South Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Massey South Dam, located in Senatobia, Mississippi, is a private earth dam primarily designed for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 2007 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 19.5 feet and has a length of 750 feet, with a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, measuring 102 feet in width, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1048 cubic feet per second.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2020, Massey South Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location on the UNT of West Creek. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a risk management plan yet to be assigned. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality oversees the state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this structure, ensuring its compliance with safety standards and emergency preparedness guidelines.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Massey South Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam engineering and management practices. Its recreational purpose, high hazard potential, and moderate risk assessment make it a noteworthy example of how regulatory agencies work to ensure the safety and integrity of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

19.5

River Or Stream

UNT OF WEST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.8

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

220

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.