Russell Gray Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Mineral Wells, Mississippi, the Russell Gray Pond Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned dam serves primarily for recreation purposes. The dam's earth and buttress core design, with a height of 12 feet, provides storage of 105 acre-feet of water from the TR-Hurricane Creek, contributing to the local ecosystem and community.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Russell Gray Pond Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam's hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition is not rated, the risk assessment deems it to have a moderate risk level. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam remains a vital part of the region's water management infrastructure, showcasing the importance of responsible stewardship of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates continue to monitor and assess the Russell Gray Pond Dam, its risk management measures and emergency preparedness will be crucial in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential hazards. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, the dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water management, climate adaptation, and community well-being in DeSoto County, Mississippi.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR- HURRICANE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

105

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

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.