Charles Pickering Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Charles Pickering Lake Dam, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1965, the dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- Smith Creek, the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite being classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition has not been rated. It features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks or structures. The dam's risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps have not been prepared or updated, highlighting potential areas for improvement in emergency response protocols.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Charles Pickering Lake Dam an intriguing case study for its historical significance, design features, and regulatory oversight. With its primary purpose being recreation, the dam's role in water management and environmental conservation in the Jones County area of Mississippi provides valuable insights into the intersection of human activity and natural resources.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SMITH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
210 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Leaf River Nr Collins
|
190cfs |
Okatoma Creek At Sanford
|
127cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Laurel
|
17cfs |
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.
Charles Pickering Lake Dam