W H Austin Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

W H Austin Pond Dam, also known as Twin Lakes Dam, is a privately owned Earth dam located in Horn Lake, Mississippi.


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Summary

Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction along the UNT of Johnson Creek. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 775 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 404 acre-feet.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, W H Austin Pond Dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in 2015. The dam features an uncontrolled outlet gate and a controlled spillway, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area in case of overflow. Despite its age, the dam continues to effectively mitigate flood risks and protect the nearby community from potential water-related disasters.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering marvel of W H Austin Pond Dam, which plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the DeSoto County area. With its strategic location and design, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. As it continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, W H Austin Pond Dam remains a vital asset in the region's water resource management efforts.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

775

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

UNT OF JOHNSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

0.65

Nid Storage

404

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.