Walnut Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Walnut Lake Dam, located in Tower, Mississippi, is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. The dam is situated on Porters Creek and is part of the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
With a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet, Walnut Lake Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment level. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. Although it lacks certain inspection and emergency action plan updates, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the community while ensuring water resource management for the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Walnut Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human-made structures and natural ecosystems. As a privately-owned earth dam, it underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and maintenance to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. Its presence on Porters Creek adds to the landscape's ecological diversity and provides a recreational oasis for locals and visitors alike, highlighting the delicate balance between human development and environmental conservation in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
PORTERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
270 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
172cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
220cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
112cfs |
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.
Walnut Lake Dam