Ascalmore Structure Yo-30-06 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Ascalmore Structure Yo-30-06 Dam, also known as the Houston Dam, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Paynes, Mississippi.
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Summary
Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction measure along the TR-Ascalmore Creek, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Standing at a height of 26 feet, it has a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. It features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a buttress core foundation made of soil. While it has not been rated for its condition assessment, the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state regulatory agencies. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.11 square miles, making the dam an essential component in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region.
Overall, the Ascalmore Structure Yo-30-06 Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of the local community. With its history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam continues to be an important infrastructure for water resource management in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. As climate change poses increasing challenges, the maintenance and management of such structures will be vital in protecting vulnerable areas from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR- ASCALMORE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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 |
Skuna River At Bruce
|
30cfs |
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 Yo-30-06 Dam