Porter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Porter Lake Dam, located in Port Gibson, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1966 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 18 feet, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet and is primarily used for recreational activities. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level, Porter Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition. It features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, serving the surrounding area along TR- Barland Creek. While the dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, it remains under state jurisdiction and is subject to state regulatory oversight. The structure plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities and managing water resources within the Claiborne County area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Porter Lake Dam stands as a notable earth dam in Mississippi with a rich history dating back to the 1960s. While its condition assessment is pending, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation for the local community. With its unique design and location, the dam contributes to the conservation and management of water resources in the region, highlighting the importance of infrastructure like Porter Lake Dam in sustaining environmental and recreational needs.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BARLAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
132 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Pierre Nr Willows
|
444cfs |
Homochitto River At Eddiceton
|
168cfs |
Mississippi River At Vicksburg
|
329000cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
677cfs |
Pearl River Nr Rockport
|
994cfs |
Homochitto River At Rosetta
|
2130cfs |
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.
Porter Lake Dam