Bonita Lake Dam Number 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bonita Lake Dam Number 1, located in Meridian, Mississippi, was completed in 1939 and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 537 acre-feet and a surface area of 54 acres. The dam is situated on the Sowashee Creek, a tributary of the nearby river, and has a high hazard potential due to its condition being assessed as fair.
Despite its age, Bonita Lake Dam Number 1 has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in June 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and outlet gates also classified as uncontrolled. In case of emergencies, the dam has an emergency action plan (EAP) in place to ensure the safety of nearby residents and property. Overall, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with risk management measures potentially in place to mitigate any potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bonita Lake Dam Number 1 offers a fascinating glimpse into the engineering and management of water infrastructure in Mississippi. Its historical significance, recreational impact, and environmental implications make it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
4000 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF SOWASHEE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
54 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
537 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sowashee Creek At Meridian
|
16cfs |
Okatibbee Creek At Arundel
|
89cfs |
Chunky River Nr Chunky
|
301cfs |
Chickasawhay River At Enterprise
|
546cfs |
Sucarnoochee River At Livingston Al
|
272cfs |
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.
Bonita Lake Dam Number 1