Darden Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms05791 Lake Dam Ms05792 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Darden Lake Dam, located in Union, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1943, this earthen dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 600 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 340 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Mitchell Creek, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Darden Lake Dam is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The dam's spillway, though uncontrolled, can manage a maximum discharge of 777 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area in case of overflow. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans to address any potential hazards and protect the community in case of an emergency.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Darden Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of how human-made structures can harmoniously blend with natural landscapes to create recreational opportunities while also prioritizing safety and environmental stewardship. Its historical significance, coupled with its functional design and regulatory oversight, showcases the importance of sustainable dam management in preserving our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1943 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF MITCHELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
38.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.98 |
Nid Storage |
467 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Darden Lake Dam