Avant Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Avant Lake Dam, located in Lafayette County, Mississippi, was completed in 1964 and serves as a key recreational resource in the area.


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Summary

Managed by a private owner, the dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet. The dam, primarily made of earth with a buttress core type, poses a high hazard potential and has been deemed unsatisfactory in its condition assessment as of May 2019.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 152 feet, and it is associated with the Four Mile Branch-Os river or stream. Despite its critical role in providing recreational opportunities, Avant Lake Dam requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality oversees its regulation and enforcement, highlighting the importance of proper management and risk assessment for this crucial water resource in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Avant Lake Dam a compelling case study in dam infrastructure and its impact on the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

FOUR MILE BRANCH -OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

177

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.