Ralph Braden Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ralph Braden Pond Dam, located in DeSoto, Mississippi, stands as a testament to the dedication of the USDA NRCS in designing and overseeing its construction back in 1959.


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Summary

This private-owned dam serves primarily as a recreational spot, offering a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, the dam safeguards the surrounding area from the flow of TR- JACKSON CREEK.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Ralph Braden Pond Dam remains under state jurisdiction, regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The dam, mainly constructed using earth and buttress core types on a soil foundation, features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. While its condition remains unrated, the dam undergoes state inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the local community in BANKS.

For those passionate about water resource management and climate resilience, Ralph Braden Pond Dam serves as a fascinating case study in private ownership and state regulation. As an integral part of the recreational landscape in DeSoto County, Mississippi, this dam not only offers leisure activities but also highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to mitigate potential risks and ensure their long-term sustainability in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR- JACKSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

150

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

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.