May Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
May Lake Dam in Benton, Mississippi is a privately owned structure regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 15 feet, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is categorized as having a moderate risk level, indicating some potential hazards that need to be managed.
Located within the Vicksburg District, May Lake Dam poses an undetermined hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite the lack of specific inspection dates or condition assessments, the dam is actively regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. With its proximity to the May Lake recreation area, the dam provides essential water resource management for the local community while offering recreational opportunities for visitors.
Overall, May Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure in the region, balancing the need for water storage and recreational activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of dams like May Lake become increasingly important to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water systems. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find May Lake Dam to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of water management, recreation, and environmental regulation.
Dam Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
227cfs |
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
156cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
153cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
497cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
104cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
944cfs |
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.
May Lake Dam