John T Smallwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
John T Smallwood Lake Dam, located in Aberdeen, Mississippi, is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1954, this earth dam with a height of 15 feet serves as a containment for the TR-Cowpen Creek, offering a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam has a spillway type of uncontrolled, providing an outlet for excess water flow.
The dam falls under state jurisdiction and regulation, with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality overseeing permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the hazard potential is currently undetermined, the condition of the dam is not rated. Despite this, the risk assessment deems it as moderate, with measures in place to manage any potential risks. The dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, but it stands as a vital structure for recreational activities in the area.
Overall, John T Smallwood Lake Dam serves as a key feature in the local landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and water resource management. Its historical significance and engineering design by the USDA NRCS highlight its importance in the community. With state regulation and oversight, the dam continues to play a crucial role in maintaining water levels and mitigating potential risks for residents and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR- COWPEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tombigbee River Nr Amory
|
3330cfs |
Tombigbee River At Bigbee
|
970cfs |
Tombigbee River At Aberdeen Lock And Dam
|
1920cfs |
Town Creek Nr Nettleton
|
144cfs |
Buttahatchee River Nr Aberdeen
|
657cfs |
Town Creek At Eason Boulevard At Tupelo
|
65cfs |
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.
John T Smallwood Lake Dam