Puskus Lake Dam (Lt 14-A1) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms05799 Lake Dam Renfroe Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Puskus Lake Dam (Lt 14-A1) is a federal-owned dam located in Lafayette, Mississippi, near the city of Oxford.
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Summary
Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 1500 feet in length across Puskus Creek. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 5762 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1516 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Forest Service, Puskus Lake Dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, with state inspections and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance. Despite its low hazard potential, a very high risk assessment rating indicates the need for active risk management measures. The dam features a controlled spillway with slide gates for water release, and its condition assessment is currently not rated, with inspections conducted every 10 years.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering and operational details of Puskus Lake Dam, as well as its role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's location in a scenic area with a drainage area of 16 square miles adds to its significance in the local ecosystem. With a focus on safety and risk management, this dam represents a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Mississippi, ensuring the protection of surrounding communities from potential flooding events.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
PUSKUS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
16 |
Nid Storage |
5762 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
152cfs |
Yocona River Nr Oxford
|
66cfs |
Otoucalofa Creek Canal Nr Water Valley
|
25cfs |
Hotopha Creek Nr Batesville
|
13cfs |
Skuna River At Bruce
|
35cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
122cfs |
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.
Puskus Lake Dam (Lt 14-A1)