Buena Vista Lakes Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buena Vista Lakes Dam, also known as Thunderbird Lake, is a private dam located in DeSoto, Mississippi.
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Summary
It is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and serves primarily for recreational purposes. The dam is an earth dam with a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 1120 acre-feet. Although it has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, it is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2012.
Situated on the UNT of Coldwater River, Buena Vista Lakes Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, and it does not have locks or associated structures. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a rating of 3 out of 5. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a crucial feature in the region's water resource management and contributes to the overall beauty and appeal of the area for outdoor enthusiasts and climate aficionados.
Overall, Buena Vista Lakes Dam stands as a testament to the careful balance between water resource management and recreational enjoyment. With its satisfactory condition and low hazard potential, it continues to serve its purpose effectively while being subject to regular inspections and oversight. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human infrastructure, environmental regulations, and the importance of maintaining a delicate equilibrium between recreation and conservation in the natural world.
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF COLDWATER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
1120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Buena Vista Lakes Dam
US 51 8531, Hernando