Chewalla Lake Dam (Lt 7-1) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Chewalla Lake Dam (Lt 7-1) is a federal-owned structure located in Holly Springs, Mississippi, along Chewalla Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at 42 feet high and serves primarily for flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 9900 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating potential flooding in the area.
The dam, managed by the Forest Service, features a controlled spillway with a width of 14 feet and a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its proximity to residential areas. The last inspection in April 2018 deemed the dam's condition as not rated, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the surrounding community from potential flood events.
With the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality regulating its operations, Chewalla Lake Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the importance of maintaining and upgrading such structures becomes increasingly crucial to safeguard against the growing risks of flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of local residents and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
2620 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
CHEWALLA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
29 |
Nid Storage |
9900 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
156cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
227cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
497cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
104cfs |
Yocona River Nr Oxford
|
96cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
153cfs |
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.
Chewalla Lake Dam (Lt 7-1)