Hardy Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hardy Lake Dam in Lowndes, Mississippi, is a privately-owned structure managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam, with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. While it primarily serves recreational purposes, the dam is also regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards.
Situated within the Mobile District, Hardy Lake Dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is classified as having a low hazard potential. Despite not being rated for its current condition, the dam poses a moderate risk, prompting the need for risk management measures to be put in place. With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) still pending, the dam's risk assessment and potential mitigation strategies are crucial for its long-term sustainability.
As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Hardy Lake Dam serves as a case study in balancing recreational benefits with regulatory compliance and risk management. With its scenic location and vital role in water storage, it highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure to ensure both safety and environmental protection.
Dam Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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 |
Tombigbee River At Bevill L&D Nr Pickensville
|
1550cfs |
Noxubee River At Macon
|
147cfs |
Buttahatchee River Nr Aberdeen
|
632cfs |
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.
Hardy Lake Dam