Sam Fonda Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sam Fonda Lake Dam in Mississippi is a privately owned structure regulated by the state's Department of Environmental Quality.
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Summary
The dam, primarily built for recreational purposes, is an earth-type dam with a buttress core and stands at a height of 12 feet, providing a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is categorized as having low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.
Located in Jefferson County, the dam overlooks a picturesque lake and offers opportunities for water-based recreational activities. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite not being a part of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Sam Fonda Lake Dam an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and state regulation. With its unique design, purpose, and risk profile, the dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem while highlighting the importance of maintaining and managing water infrastructure for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Dam Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Pierre Nr Willows
|
444cfs |
Homochitto River At Eddiceton
|
168cfs |
Homochitto River At Rosetta
|
2130cfs |
Mississippi River At Vicksburg
|
329000cfs |
Buffalo River Nr Woodville
|
257cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
677cfs |
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.
Sam Fonda Lake Dam