Bentonia Watershed Structure 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Bentonia Watershed Structure 1 Dam, also known as Wise Lake, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Yazoo, Mississippi.


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Summary

Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this dam spans the Brickyard Creek and serves as a flood risk reduction structure with a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is considered to have a low hazard potential.

Despite its age, Bentonia Watershed Structure 1 Dam remains in a not rated condition with no recent inspection data available. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The dam is designed with a buttress core type and rests on a soil foundation. While the risk assessment is moderate, no specific risk management measures have been identified. Overall, this dam provides essential flood risk reduction benefits for the local community and surrounding areas, showcasing the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and monitoring for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BRICKYARD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.53

Nid Storage

250

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.