Town Creek Watershed Dam #9 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Town Creek Watershed Dam #9, located in the city limits of Saltillo, Mississippi, stands as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along Little Sand Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a buttress core type rises 26 feet high and stretches 1,060 feet in length, providing storage of 1,860 acre-feet of water. While the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential highlight the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance.

The dam's primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, serving as a vital line of defense against potential inundation in the area. With a drainage area of 3.05 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 995 acre-feet, Town Creek Watershed Dam #9 plays a key role in mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall events on the local community. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures warrant further attention to ensure the safety and security of residents downstream.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role of infrastructure like Town Creek Watershed Dam #9 in safeguarding communities from flooding events is essential. With its strategic location, significant storage capacity, and designated purpose, this dam serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage and protect water resources in Mississippi. By staying informed about the dam's condition, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness, individuals can contribute to the preservation of this vital piece of the state's water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1060

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

LITTLE SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

61

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

3.05

Nid Storage

1860

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.