Chiwapa Ws Str 3 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Chiwapa WS Str 3 Dam, also known as Pontotoc Lake Dam, is a vital water resource structure located in Pontotoc, Mississippi.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the Webster Creek watershed. Completed in 1969, the dam stands at a height of 33.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 1436 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 353 acre-feet over a surface area of 53.5 acres.

The dam's high hazard potential is managed through regular inspections, with a satisfactory condition reported in the last assessment in February 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 7959 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate threat level, the dam's emergency action plan and inundation maps are currently in review to ensure preparedness for any potential emergencies. With its critical role in flood risk reduction and water resource management, Chiwapa WS Str 3 Dam is a key infrastructure contributing to the resilience of the local community and surrounding environment in Mississippi.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1310

Dam Height

33.5

River Or Stream

WEBSTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

53.5

Hydraulic Height

33.5

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

1436

Structural Height

35.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.