Happy Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms04045 Lake Dam Shaw Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Happy Lake Dam, located in Biloxi, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 495 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- Little Biloxi River, this dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is classified as having a low hazard potential.
Despite its low hazard potential, Happy Lake Dam poses a moderate risk due to its uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and there is no emergency action plan in place. However, with regular state inspections and enforcement, the dam continues to serve its recreational purpose for the community. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Happy Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment in a changing environmental landscape.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR- LITTLE BILOXI RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
495 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Biloxi River At Wortham
|
743cfs |
Wolf River Nr Landon
|
1300cfs |
East Hobolochitto Creek Nr Caesar
|
317cfs |
West Hobolochitto Creek Nr Mcneill
|
663cfs |
Black Creek Nr Brooklyn
|
641cfs |
Cypress Creek Nr Janice
|
235cfs |
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.
Happy Lake Dam