Tennison Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Tennison Lake Dam, located in Benton, Mississippi, is a private earth dam constructed in 1971 for recreational purposes by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Tennison Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Tennison Lake Dam will find it intriguing for its design by the USDA NRCS, its recreational purpose, and its location in the picturesque setting of the TR- Grays Creek watershed. The dam's history, management, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between human intervention in water resources and the natural environment.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR- GRAYS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
172cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
112cfs |
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
220cfs |
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.
Tennison Lake Dam