Tuscumbia Watershed Structure 14 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tuscumbia Watershed Structure 14 Dam, located in Alcorn County, Mississippi, is a local government-owned dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1973.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this earth dam stands at 25 feet high and has a storage capacity of 1050 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Underwood Creek and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a hazard potential rated as low and a condition assessment labeled as "Not Rated." While the dam is designated as a moderate risk level (3), there have been no reported modifications or incidents requiring emergency action. With a drainage area of 1.9 square miles and a surface area of 43 acres, the Tuscumbia Watershed Structure 14 Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. As an integral part of the local infrastructure, this dam is essential for the protection of communities and ecosystems in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tuscumbia Watershed Structure 14 Dam offers a fascinating case study of dam engineering and management in Mississippi. With its unique design, historical significance, and state-regulated status, this dam serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between human development and natural resources. As we continue to face challenges related to climate change and water management, understanding the role of structures like Tuscumbia Watershed Structure 14 Dam becomes increasingly vital for sustainable planning and resilience efforts in the face of environmental uncertainty.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

UNDERWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

43

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

1050

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.