Arrington Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Arrington Lake Dam, located in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1972.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 12 feet, serves the primary purpose of recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 170 acre-feet. The dam, situated on UNT of Bear Creek, spans 850 feet in length and has a drainage area of 0.44 square miles.

Despite its recreational value, Arrington Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been deemed unsatisfactory in its condition assessment as of the last inspection date in November 2020. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 299 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. As a key water resource in Madison County, Mississippi, the dam's risk assessment is considered moderate.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Arrington Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment. Situated in a region prone to climate variability, the dam's condition and emergency action preparedness are critical factors in mitigating potential hazards and ensuring public safety. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain this recreational water infrastructure, the collaboration between private ownership, state regulatory agencies, and federal designers like the Natural Resources Conservation Service will play a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

UNT OF BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

170

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.