Helms Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Helms Lake Dam, located in Benton, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. While the dam has a low hazard potential, it is subject to state regulations and inspections by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to ensure its safety and compliance with guidelines.
Even though the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it is considered to have a moderate risk level. Despite this, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The risk management measures for the dam are unspecified at this time. With its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of associated structures or outlet gates, Helms Lake Dam remains a notable feature in the area, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in its design and operational aspects.
Dam Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
112cfs |
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
220cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
172cfs |
Nonconnah Creek Near Germantown
|
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.
Helms Lake Dam