Anderson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Anderson Lake Dam, located in Yazoo City, Mississippi, was completed in 1973 with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Owned by a private entity, the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is inspected regularly. Standing at a height of 30 feet with a storage capacity of 970 acre-feet, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment.
The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, features an earth core with buttress type construction on a soil foundation. It has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet and no outlet gates. The surrounding area, outside the inundation zone, offers opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition assessment highlights the need for timely maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Anderson Lake Dam serves as a crucial structure for recreational purposes while also posing challenges in terms of maintenance and safety. Its location on the Unt of Short Creek, within the Vicksburg District, underscores the importance of regular inspections and adherence to regulatory guidelines. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and upkeep of dams like Anderson Lake become increasingly vital to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF SHORT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1.26 |
Nid Storage |
970 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Black River Nr Bentonia
|
392cfs |
Harland Creek Nr Howard
|
3340cfs |
Hanging Moss Creek Nr Jackson
|
356cfs |
Lynch Creek At Jackson
|
1100cfs |
Pearl River At Jackson
|
362cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
520cfs |
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.
Anderson Lake Dam