Bentonia Watershed Structure 5 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Bentonia Watershed Structure 5 Dam, also known as Hancock's Lake, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Yazoo, Mississippi.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 470 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, particularly along the Dalton Creek.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Bentonia Watershed Structure 5 Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and effectiveness. With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this structure highlights the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring. While its condition is currently not rated, ongoing risk management measures are crucial to ensure the safety of the community and the environment.
As a key component of the flood control infrastructure in the region, Bentonia Watershed Structure 5 Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic location and design, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from potential flood risks, showcasing the impact of effective watershed management and infrastructure development in mitigating climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
DALTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20.7 |
Drainage Area |
1.13 |
Nid Storage |
470 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Black River Nr Bentonia
|
392cfs |
Hanging Moss Creek Nr Jackson
|
356cfs |
Lynch Creek At Jackson
|
1100cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
520cfs |
Pearl River At Jackson
|
362cfs |
Harland Creek Nr Howard
|
3340cfs |
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.
Bentonia Watershed Structure 5 Dam