Donald Kitchens Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Jones, Mississippi, the Donald Kitchens Lake Dam stands as a testament to innovative engineering and environmental stewardship.
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Summary
Constructed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned Earth dam was designed with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities for the local community. Spanning the TR-Bear Creek, this dam boasts a height of 18 feet and a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, making it a vital water resource for the area.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Donald Kitchens Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential, this dam has a moderate risk assessment rating and is considered to be in good condition. While its spillway is uncontrolled, the dam serves as a vital resource for the region, offering not only recreational activities but also contributing to water management and conservation efforts.
As a key feature in the Vicksburg District, the Donald Kitchens Lake Dam is a prime example of how sustainable infrastructure can benefit both the environment and local communities. With its commitment to recreation and water resource management, this dam serves as a model for responsible engineering practices and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tallahala Creek At Laurel
|
17cfs |
Bogue Homo Nr Richton
|
556cfs |
Leaf River At Hattiesburg
|
1360cfs |
Okatoma Creek At Sanford
|
541cfs |
Tallahala Creek Nr Runnelstown
|
93cfs |
Bouie Creek Nr Hattiesburg
|
438cfs |
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.
Donald Kitchens Lake Dam