Lake Chautauqua Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms07235 Lake Dam Ms06264 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lake Chautauqua Dam, located in Copiah, Mississippi, was completed in 1925 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, constructed primarily of earth and stone, stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 462 feet in length. It impounds Clear Creek, providing a surface area of 25 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 242 acre-feet.
Managed by the local government with oversight from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced. Although its hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition is not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 193 cubic feet per second.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Chautauqua Dam offers a unique opportunity for outdoor recreation in Mississippi, while also serving as a vital structure for water management and flood control along Clear Creek. Its historical significance, coupled with its modern regulatory oversight, highlights the importance of sustainable dam infrastructure in protecting communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1925 |
Dam Length |
462 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.39 |
Nid Storage |
242 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pearl River Nr Rockport
|
1230cfs |
Lynch Creek At Jackson
|
1100cfs |
Pearl River At Jackson
|
1180cfs |
Strong River At D`Lo
|
286cfs |
Hanging Moss Creek Nr Jackson
|
356cfs |
Bayou Pierre Nr Willows
|
611cfs |
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.
Lake Chautauqua Dam