Hell Creek Watershed Structure Lt-9b-5 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Hell Creek Watershed Structure Lt-9b-5 Dam, also known as Lt-9b-5, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Tippah, Mississippi, specifically in the city of Punkin Center.
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Summary
Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this dam was designed for flood risk reduction along the Hell Creek river. With a height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 441 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in the area.
The dam, made of buttress core and soil foundation, is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is inspected regularly for safety and maintenance. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have moderate risk due to its age and condition assessment not being rated. The spillway is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this vital water resource infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Hell Creek Watershed Structure Lt-9b-5 Dam provides an intriguing opportunity to explore the intersection of engineering, environmental regulation, and water management. With its historical significance and continued importance in flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in shaping our interactions with the natural world and mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
HELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
1.06 |
Nid Storage |
441 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
156cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
153cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
227cfs |
Twentymile Creek Nr Guntown
|
23cfs |
Yocona River Nr Oxford
|
96cfs |
Town Creek At Eason Boulevard At Tupelo
|
65cfs |
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.
Hell Creek Watershed Structure Lt-9b-5 Dam