Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a critical water supply infrastructure that has been serving the area since its completion in 1962.


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Summary

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, this earth dam on the Pearl River stands at a height of 64 feet and has a hydraulic height of 56 feet, providing a storage capacity of 540,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 33,000 acres. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 250,000 cubic feet per second.

Designed by HARZA ENGINEERING, the Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and Tainter (radial) outlet gates, ensuring effective flood control and water management. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as fair, with regular state inspections and enforcement in place to maintain its structural integrity. As a key component of the water supply infrastructure in Rankin County, Mississippi, the dam continues to play a vital role in meeting the region's water needs and mitigating climate-related risks.

With a risk assessment indicating a very high risk level, the Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is a focal point for risk management measures and emergency preparedness. The dam's emergency action plan is periodically reviewed and updated, with guidelines in place to ensure its effectiveness in times of crisis. As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resources, the resilience of infrastructure like the Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of communities in the region.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

18400

Dam Height

64

River Or Stream

PEARL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33000

Hydraulic Height

56

Drainage Area

3050

Nid Storage

540000

Structural Height

65

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

65
       
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.