Merrill Pickering Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Deavor Powell Pond Ms07197 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Merrill Pickering Lake Dam, located in Hebron, Mississippi, was completed in 1965 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a recreational facility for water enthusiasts.
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Summary
The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- Smith Creek, the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is inspected and enforced by state authorities to ensure safety and compliance.
Despite being rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam has a moderate risk level of 3, indicating potential hazards that are yet to be determined. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam's hazard potential remains undetermined, and emergency action plans are yet to be prepared or assessed. The dam's primary purpose of recreation attracts visitors to the area, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities and water sports, although caution is advised due to the moderate risk level associated with the dam.
Overall, Merrill Pickering Lake Dam presents an intriguing blend of recreational opportunities and potential risks for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a privately owned structure in Jones County, Mississippi, the dam's earth design and soil foundation add to its unique characteristics. With a focus on safety and compliance, state authorities continue to monitor and regulate the dam to ensure the well-being of the surrounding community and visitors who enjoy the recreational activities offered at the site.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SMITH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
192 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Leaf River Nr Collins
|
190cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Laurel
|
17cfs |
Okatoma Creek At Sanford
|
127cfs |
Bouie Creek Nr Hattiesburg
|
162cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Waldrup
|
164cfs |
Leaf River At Hattiesburg
|
747cfs |
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.
Merrill Pickering Lake Dam