Charles Pickering Catfish Ponds Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Charles Pickering Catfish Ponds, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a private earth dam structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1965.
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Summary
With a height of 7 feet and a storage capacity of 360 acre-feet, this dam serves a primary purpose that goes beyond typical water resource management. While the dam does not fall under state regulation, it boasts a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
The dam, situated on the TR- DRY BRANCH stream, features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. Despite its age, the structure has not been assessed for condition and lacks emergency preparedness measures such as an EAP or updated inundation maps. With a risk management plan yet to be established, the Charles Pickering Catfish Ponds dam presents an opportunity for enhanced safety and operational protocols to align with modern standards and guidelines.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and advocating for the proper maintenance and risk assessment of structures like Charles Pickering Catfish Ponds is crucial. By ensuring that these dams meet regulatory standards, are equipped with emergency response plans, and undergo regular inspections, we can safeguard not only the surrounding environment but also the communities that rely on these water resources for various purposes.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
6600 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
TR- DRY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Nid Storage |
360 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
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 |
Leaf River At Hattiesburg
|
747cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Waldrup
|
164cfs |
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 Catfish Ponds