Greater Bethlehem Church Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Greater Bethlehem Church Dam, located in Hinds County, Mississippi, is a private earth dam primarily utilized for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1954, the dam stands at a height of 15.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet. The dam spans 580 feet across the UNT of Lynch Creek, offering a surface area of 13.6 acres for recreational activities.
Managed by the Greater Bethlehem Church, the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite being classified as having a "Significant" hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was rated as "Fair" in the latest evaluation conducted in November 2020. With a moderate risk level assigned, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and does not feature outlet gates for water release.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Greater Bethlehem Church Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for recreational enjoyment while also highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks associated with dam failure. The dam's historical significance, design characteristics, and regulatory oversight underscore the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding both natural resources and community safety in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
15.6 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF LYNCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
155 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lynch Creek At Jackson
|
1100cfs |
Pearl River At Jackson
|
1010cfs |
Hanging Moss Creek Nr Jackson
|
356cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bentonia
|
322cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
437cfs |
Strong River At D`Lo
|
91cfs |
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.
Greater Bethlehem Church Dam