Baird Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Baird Lake Dam, located in Darden, Mississippi, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Mitchell Creek and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and it has an undetermined hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state regulatory agency. The dam does not have outlet gates but serves as a recreational spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the surrounding area.
Despite its relatively small size and simple structure, Baird Lake Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and managing water resources in the Union County area of Mississippi. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam an interesting case study in the management of privately-owned dams for recreational purposes.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR- MITCHELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
500 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Baird Lake Dam