Middleton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Middleton Lake Dam, located in Port Gibson, Mississippi, is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1945.


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Summary

The dam has a primary purpose of recreation and is classified as an earth dam with a height of 20 feet. It sits on the TR- Little Bayou river/stream and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

With a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet, Middleton Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as not assessed for condition. It features uncontrolled spillways and outlets, with no associated locks. While the dam has not been inspected recently, it falls under moderate risk (level 3) in terms of potential hazards. Despite its age, Middleton Lake Dam continues to serve its recreational purpose, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its picturesque location in Claiborne County, Mississippi.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Middleton Lake Dam offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic earth dam in the heart of Mississippi. Managed by private owners and regulated by state authorities, this dam provides a glimpse into the engineering and environmental considerations of water management. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Middleton Lake Dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, inviting visitors to appreciate its design and purpose while enjoying the recreational activities it facilitates.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR- LITTLE BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

156

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

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.