R Johnson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

R Johnson Lake Dam, located in Meridian, Mississippi, was completed in 1964 and is owned by a private entity.


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Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 15 feet. Situated on TR-Sowashee Creek, the dam has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core and soil foundation.

Although the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, its hazard potential is currently labeled as undetermined. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. The risk assessment for R Johnson Lake Dam is moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Overall, R Johnson Lake Dam provides a vital resource for water recreation in the area, but its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." With its location in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, the dam's risk assessment and management will be critical in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential hazards. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the dam's status and any updates from the regulatory agencies will be essential in maintaining the safety of this important infrastructure.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR- SOWASHEE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

165

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.