W R Mckelvin Jr Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
W R Mckelvin Jr Lake Dam, located in Walthall, Mississippi, is a privately owned dam managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
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Summary
The dam, primarily used for recreation, is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, standing at a height of 8 feet and offering a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and integrity.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and is not equipped with outlet gates or associated structures. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its risk assessment is moderate, signaling the need for ongoing risk management measures. The New Orleans District of the US Army Corps of Engineers is not involved in the ownership, funding, design, construction, or regulation of W R Mckelvin Jr Lake Dam, indicating its independent management within the state jurisdiction.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts fascinated by the intricacies of dam infrastructure and management would find W R Mckelvin Jr Lake Dam an interesting case study. Its location in a picturesque setting in Mississippi, coupled with its recreational purpose and state-regulated status, offer a unique perspective on the intersection of water resource management, public safety, and environmental stewardship. The dam's modest height and storage capacity, along with its low hazard potential, present a compelling narrative of how essential infrastructure can coexist harmoniously with natural surroundings in a regulated framework.
Dam Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bogue Chitto Nr Tylertown
|
578cfs |
Pearl River Nr Columbia
|
2920cfs |
Tangipahoa River At Osyka
|
478cfs |
Pearl River Near Bogalusa
|
3740cfs |
Pearl River Nr Monticello
|
2030cfs |
Tickfaw River At Liverpool
|
44cfs |
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.
W R Mckelvin Jr Lake Dam