Wesson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wesson Lake Dam, located in Copiah, Mississippi, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Wesson Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. While it does not have a formal condition assessment, the dam is not currently rated. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, indicating that it may not have the capacity to handle extreme flood events. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, it remains an important feature for the local community and visitors seeking recreational activities in the area.

Overall, Wesson Lake Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management and recreational purposes in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate its significance in providing a source of water storage and outdoor enjoyment, while also acknowledging the need for continued oversight and maintenance to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

Dam Height

20

Nid Storage

176

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.