Mcdonald Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mcdonald Pond Dam, located in Lauderdale, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Mcdonald Pond Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level due to unspecified factors. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks or drainage area specified. While its condition assessment remains unrated, the dam has not been involved in any recent modifications or emergency preparedness activities. With a risk management plan yet to be outlined, stakeholders may need to address the moderate risk level associated with this dam to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and water resources.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mcdonald Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and regulation. As a privately owned structure with a recreational focus, the dam's design, construction, and ongoing maintenance are crucial for both its intended purpose and the surrounding ecosystem. With state oversight and periodic inspections in place, the dam's risk level and potential hazards are being monitored, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR- TEDDER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

120

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.