Potacocawa Watershed Structure Y-31a-34 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Potacocawa Watershed Structure Y-31a-34 Dam, also known as Hames Dam, is a locally owned earth dam located in Carroll County, Mississippi.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Mormon Branch river. With a height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 478 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Potacocawa Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam continues to be inspected, regulated, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam is designed to release excess water in times of high flow, protecting downstream communities and infrastructure.
As part of the Vicksburg District, the Potacocawa Dam is a vital component in the region's water resource management system. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and risk reduction, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of climate variability and increasing extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
MORMON BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.81 |
Nid Storage |
478 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Batupan Bogue At Grenada
|
134cfs |
Yalobusha River At Grenada
|
3080cfs |
Tallahatchie River At Money
|
6080cfs |
Abiaca Creek At Cruger
|
44cfs |
Big Black River At West
|
223cfs |
Otoucalofa Creek Canal Nr Water Valley
|
25cfs |
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.
Potacocawa Watershed Structure Y-31a-34 Dam