Cooks Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Cooks Lake Dam, located in Hinds County, Mississippi, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1952 for recreational purposes along the Pearl River.
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Summary
With a height of 12 feet and a length of 410 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 39.29 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 4.67 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its relatively small size, the dam is considered to have a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment, prompting regular inspections to ensure public safety.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Cooks Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to mitigate risks associated with its operations. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it lacks outlet gates, posing challenges for managing water levels and potential emergencies. While the dam's risk assessment is deemed moderate, ongoing monitoring and risk management measures are essential to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential hazards and flooding events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate should stay informed about the dam's condition and any updates to its emergency action plan to ensure preparedness in case of unforeseen events.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
410 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF PEARL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.67 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
39.29 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lynch Creek At Jackson
|
1100cfs |
Pearl River At Jackson
|
351cfs |
Hanging Moss Creek Nr Jackson
|
356cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bentonia
|
379cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
484cfs |
Strong River At D`Lo
|
93cfs |
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.
Cooks Lake Dam