Earl Ross Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Earl Ross Pond Dam, located in Horn Lake, Mississippi, is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1947 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. It is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and soil foundation, overlooking the TR-Horn Lake Creek.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Earl Ross Pond Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam's hazard potential is deemed low, with a moderate risk assessment rating. It features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks or drainage area specified. While its condition has not been rated, the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Earl Ross Pond Dam represents a significant recreational feature in DeSoto County, Mississippi. With its historical significance dating back over 70 years, the dam continues to offer leisure opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment underline the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR- HORN LAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

120

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.