Lake Tom Bailey Reservoir Report
Nearby: Morgan Lake Dam Buster Price Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Lake Tom Bailey, located in Toomsuba, Mississippi, is a state-regulated recreational reservoir built in 1958.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, this earth dam structure on Toomsuba Creek offers a surface area of 250 acres and a normal storage capacity of 1166 acre-feet. With a dam height of 28 feet and a spillway width of 20 feet, the reservoir provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing for visitors to enjoy.
Despite being categorized as having a high hazard potential, Lake Tom Bailey boasts a fair condition assessment and has a moderate risk rating. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment taking place in May 2019. The reservoir's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are currently unspecified, but the facility meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With its picturesque setting and essential role in providing recreational opportunities for the community, Lake Tom Bailey stands as a vital water resource in Lauderdale County, Mississippi.
As a significant water resource in the region, Lake Tom Bailey not only serves as a popular recreational destination but also plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts. With its earth dam structure and uncontrolled spillway, the reservoir contributes to the local ecosystem and provides a habitat for diverse wildlife. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of Lake Tom Bailey will be essential in ensuring its resilience and sustainability for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
4900 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TOOMSUBA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
250 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
8.9 |
Nid Storage |
3355 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sowashee Creek At Meridian
|
9cfs |
Okatibbee Creek At Arundel
|
64cfs |
Sucarnoochee River At Livingston Al
|
257cfs |
Chunky River Nr Chunky
|
154cfs |
Chickasawhay River At Enterprise
|
349cfs |
Bodka Creek Near Geiger
|
15cfs |
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.
Lake Tom Bailey