Cypress Creek Watershed Structure Y-19a-03 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Cypress Creek Watershed Structure Y-19a-03 Dam, also known as Cool Branch Lake, is a fascinating earth dam located in Bruce Junction, Mississippi.


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Summary

Built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Cool Branch River. With a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 228 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Yalobusha County area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, this dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the Cypress Creek Watershed Structure Y-19a-03 Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates ensure efficient water management, contributing to the overall safety and protection of the surrounding area.

While lacking in certain inspection and emergency preparedness aspects, the Cypress Creek Watershed Structure Y-19a-03 Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective flood risk reduction measures. With its strategic location and design, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the management and conservation of water resources in Mississippi. For those interested in water management and climate resilience, this dam is a noteworthy structure worth exploring further.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

UNT OF COOL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

228

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.