Cypress Creek Watershed Structure Y-19a-05 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cypress Creek Watershed Structure Y-19a-05 Dam, also known as W R Donovan Pond, is a crucial earth dam located in Yalobusha, Mississippi, designed by the USDA NRCS in 1961.


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Summary

This dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction in the area, with a storage capacity of 366 acre-feet and a low hazard potential. Situated on TR- Cool Branch, this structure is under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, with state regulatory agencies overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and buttress core type, standing at a height of 17 feet. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk level is assessed as moderate. The dam's operational agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, ensures its proper functioning to manage flood risks effectively. With the dam's moderate risk level and low hazard potential, it plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events, highlighting its importance in water resource and climate management within the Cypress Creek Watershed.

Overall, Cypress Creek Watershed Structure Y-19a-05 Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure in managing flood risks in Yalobusha, Mississippi. Its construction by the USDA NRCS and oversight by state regulatory agencies demonstrate a coordinated effort to protect the community from potential inundation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and risk assessment of this dam provides valuable insights into the proactive measures taken to ensure the safety and resilience of the local ecosystem and residents in the event of flooding.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR- COOL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

366

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.