Lakemont Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lakemont Lake Dam, located in Meridian, Mississippi, is a private-owned Earth dam constructed in 1930 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 490 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Sowashee Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the state agency.

Despite its primary purpose of recreation, the dam at Lakemont Lake is classified as having a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet, and the last inspection in April 2020 deemed the structure in need of significant improvements. Although the risk assessment is categorized as moderate, there is a need for enhanced risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the dam for the surrounding community and environment.

Overall, Lakemont Lake Dam serves as a critical structure for water resource management and recreational activities in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam presents an opportunity for collaboration and investment to address its current condition and mitigate potential risks associated with its operation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the preservation and improvement of Lakemont Lake Dam are essential for sustainable water management and community safety in the region.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

SOWASHEE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.8

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

120

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.