Walter Vinson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms05658 Lake Dam Ms05657 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Walter Vinson Lake Dam, located in Hinds, Mississippi, is a privately-owned earth dam constructed in 1994 by the USDA NRCS, with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This buttress dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 710 feet, creating a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet. The dam sits on soil foundation and impounds the UNT of Bakers Creek, providing a surface area of 9.9 acres for recreational use.
Despite its recreational benefits, Walter Vinson Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and is currently rated as unsatisfactory in condition, as of the last inspection in April 2020. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, with state-permitted inspections and enforcement in place. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for careful monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
As an integral part of the water resource infrastructure in the area, Walter Vinson Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring for dams to mitigate potential hazards and ensure long-term functionality. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management can appreciate the complex interplay of regulatory oversight, risk assessment, and stewardship required to maintain the safety and sustainability of dams like Walter Vinson Lake Dam in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
710 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF BAKERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
122 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
609cfs |
Lynch Creek At Jackson
|
1100cfs |
Pearl River At Jackson
|
738cfs |
Hanging Moss Creek Nr Jackson
|
356cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bentonia
|
514cfs |
Mississippi River At Vicksburg
|
317000cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Walter Vinson Lake Dam