Rance Johnston Catfish Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Rance Johnston Catfish Pond, located in Leake, Mississippi, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a dam height and hydraulic height of 9 feet, this structure serves as a water resource for the surrounding area, specifically for catfish farming. The pond has a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 24 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rance Johnston Catfish Pond has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as in moderate condition. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 12 feet. Despite being unregulated by the state, the pond plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy and agricultural activities in the region. With its strategic location near the Indian Branch, this water resource contributes to the sustainable management of water in the area.

Although not currently inspected or regulated by state agencies, Rance Johnston Catfish Pond remains an important water infrastructure for the community of Sunrise. With its primary purpose being categorized as "Other," the pond continues to provide essential water resources for agricultural activities, supporting the local economy and contributing to the overall water management efforts in Mississippi.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

2800

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

INDIAN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

90

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
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.