Pennell Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Steele Lake Dam Kleban Lake
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pennell Lake Dam, located in Oktibbeha, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, serves as a low hazard potential asset in the region. While the dam is uncontrolled spillway type, it is under state regulation by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring its safety and compliance with inspection and enforcement protocols.
Despite not being rated for its condition, Pennell Lake Dam presents a moderate risk (level 3) according to assessments. The dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans, inundation maps, and risk management measures. However, with its low hazard potential and state oversight, the dam remains a vital resource for the local community for recreational activities around the lake. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find interest in exploring the unique features and management of Pennell Lake Dam within the Vicksburg District.
As a significant structure within the water resource landscape of Mississippi, Pennell Lake Dam offers insights into the intersection of private ownership, state regulation, and recreational usage. With its distinct characteristics such as earth construction and buttress core type, the dam provides a glimpse into the diverse infrastructure supporting water management in the region. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals can appreciate the role of Pennell Lake Dam in balancing recreation opportunities with safety considerations and regulatory frameworks set by the state regulatory agency.
Dam Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Catalpa Creek At Mayhew
|
2940cfs |
Tombigbee River At Stennis Lock And Dam
|
2610cfs |
Luxapallila Creek Nr Columbus
|
525cfs |
Noxubee River At Macon
|
147cfs |
Tombigbee River At Aberdeen Lock And Dam
|
121cfs |
Tombigbee River At Bevill L&D Nr Pickensville
|
1550cfs |
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.
Pennell Lake Dam