Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-11 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-11 Dam, also known as Mitchell Dam, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Paynes, Mississippi.
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Summary
Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this structure was designed for flood risk reduction along Powers Creek. With a height of 40 feet and a storage capacity of 1185 acre-feet, it serves as a crucial infrastructure in the region's water resource management.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2013. Although it has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the risk assessment for this dam is moderate. Despite its age, the structure has met regulatory requirements and continues to play a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
With its strategic location in Tallahatchie County and proximity to the Vicksburg District, Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-11 Dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction measures implemented by local government authorities. Its historical significance, combined with its ongoing operational success, highlights the importance of maintaining and investing in essential water infrastructure for climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
POWERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
1185 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yalobusha River At Grenada
|
3080cfs |
Batupan Bogue At Grenada
|
134cfs |
Tallahatchie River At Money
|
6080cfs |
Otoucalofa Creek Canal Nr Water Valley
|
25cfs |
Hotopha Creek Nr Batesville
|
13cfs |
Yocona River Nr Oxford
|
96cfs |
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.
Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-11 Dam