Goldsmith Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Goldsmith Lake Dam, located in Marshall County, Mississippi, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 21 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. Situated on Big Spring Creek, the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and has a low hazard potential.
Despite being uncontrolled, with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam is deemed to have a moderate risk level. The condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation. While the dam has not had a recent inspection or maintenance, it remains a popular spot for recreational activities in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Goldsmith Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
BIG SPRING CREEK -OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
156cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
227cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
104cfs |
Yocona River Nr Oxford
|
96cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
497cfs |
Hotopha Creek Nr Batesville
|
13cfs |
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.
Goldsmith Lake Dam