Crescent Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earthen dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 1100 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 1230 acre-feet. Situated along Gay Branch, this dam is under state regulation by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring that it meets safety and environmental standards.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a moderate risk assessment, Crescent Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to maintain its satisfactory condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet, providing a way to release excess water during periods of high flow. Despite its age, the dam remains structurally sound and continues to offer recreational opportunities to visitors in the area.

Overall, Crescent Lake Dam presents a blend of historical significance and modern-day functionality, serving as a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure while also providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to enjoy. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Crescent Lake are essential to ensure their continued safety and effectiveness in managing water flow and storage in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

GAY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

76.9

Hydraulic Height

18.8

Drainage Area

2.92

Nid Storage

1230

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.