Norris Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Norris Lake Dam, located in Starkville, Mississippi, stands as a vital state-regulated structure designed for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1940, this earthen dam spans 1000 feet in length and reaches a height of 15 feet, containing a storage capacity of 353.7 acre-feet. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, maintaining a surface area of 41.94 acres and serving the UNT of Sand Creek in Oktibbeha County.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Norris Lake Dam has been deemed to have significant hazard potential but remains in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in March 2020. With an inspection frequency of every five years, the dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate. Although it lacks locks and outlet gates, the dam's role in providing recreational opportunities while ensuring public safety highlights its importance in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF SAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41.94 |
Drainage Area |
0.51 |
Nid Storage |
353.7 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Catalpa Creek At Mayhew
|
2940cfs |
Tombigbee River At Stennis Lock And Dam
|
1740cfs |
Luxapallila Creek Nr Columbus
|
373cfs |
Tombigbee River At Aberdeen Lock And Dam
|
122cfs |
Noxubee River At Macon
|
127cfs |
Tombigbee River At Bevill L&D Nr Pickensville
|
2660cfs |
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.
Norris Lake Dam