Big Creek Watershed Structure 2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Big Creek Watershed Structure 2 Dam, also known as Mcbay Lake, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Soso, Mississippi.


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Summary

Built in 1977 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 815 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to ensure its satisfactory condition and safe operation.

The primary purpose of Big Creek Watershed Structure 2 Dam is flood risk reduction, serving the local community in Jasper County and beyond. It is designed with a buttress core and sits on a soil foundation, aligning with its uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates. The dam's risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

Managed by local government authorities, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing protection against flooding events and contributing to the overall resilience of the Big Creek watershed. With its history of effective operation and satisfactory condition assessment, Big Creek Watershed Structure 2 Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies and organizations involved in safeguarding the community's water resources and infrastructure.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Height

29

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.48

Nid Storage

815

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.