Harsh Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Beesum Lake Dam Ms04044 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Harsh Lake Dam in Mississippi, built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Situated in Stone County, Biloxi, the dam stands at 12 feet high and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. It is classified as an Earth dam with a buttress core, built on a soil foundation along the TR- Little Biloxi River. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type is specified, ensuring low hazard potential.
The dam, owned privately and regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, has not been rated for its condition assessment, but is categorized as having a moderate risk level. With no recent inspection data available, emergency action plans and risk management measures are also undisclosed. The dam's presence underscores its significance in managing water resources, particularly in a state prone to climate variability and extreme weather events. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience would find Harsh Lake Dam a compelling case study for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR- LITTLE BILOXI RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Harsh Lake Dam