Walker Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Walker Lake Dam, located in Water Valley, Mississippi, was completed in 1979 and is primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 15 feet, is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. It is situated on Johnson Creek and is managed by the USDA NRCS, with oversight from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
Although the dam's hazard potential is currently undetermined, its risk assessment is moderate. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlets, with a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. It is owned privately and falls under state jurisdiction, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam has not been rated for its condition and lacks an emergency action plan, raising concerns about its safety and risk management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Walker Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure in Mississippi. With its recreational purpose and unique design features, such as the earth dam with a buttress core type, the dam offers insights into the management and regulation of water resources in the region. However, the lack of a condition assessment, emergency action plan, and clear risk management measures highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of the dam in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
JOHNSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
135 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Otoucalofa Creek Canal Nr Water Valley
|
25cfs |
Yocona River Nr Oxford
|
96cfs |
Skuna River At Bruce
|
30cfs |
Hotopha Creek Nr Batesville
|
13cfs |
Yalobusha River At Grenada
|
3080cfs |
Batupan Bogue At Grenada
|
134cfs |
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.
Walker Lake Dam