Alden Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Alden Lake Dam, also known as Alden Station, is a private-owned earth dam located in Horn Lake, Mississippi.


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Summary

The dam, situated on the UNT of Cow Pen Creek, serves primarily for recreation purposes and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. With a hydraulic height of 11.4 feet and a structural height of 16.8 feet, the dam stands at 14.5 feet tall and has a length of 600 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a normal storage of 80 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 18.2 acres and draining an area of 0.12 square miles.

The significant hazard potential of Alden Lake Dam is managed through regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in June 2018 and deemed satisfactory. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a score of 3, indicating a moderate level of risk. Although the dam does not have any associated locks or outlet gates, it features an uncontrolled spillway type. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not specifically mentioned in the available data, suggesting potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness and risk mitigation strategies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Alden Lake Dam offers a unique insight into the management and regulation of private dams in Mississippi. With its recreational purpose and significant hazard potential, the dam presents both opportunities for enjoyment and risks that require careful monitoring and maintenance. Understanding the infrastructure and characteristics of Alden Lake Dam can provide valuable lessons for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

UNT OF COW PEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.2

Hydraulic Height

11.4

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

16.8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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.