Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms06625 Lake Dam Ms06624 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam, located in Smith, Mississippi, is a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure designed by USDA NRCS in 1976.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 22 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Little Creek. With a storage capacity of 775 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.41 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flood hazards in the region.
Maintained by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the dam has a fair condition assessment as of March 2021 and a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, it is essential for the local government to ensure regular inspections and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and efficiency in flood control. With Michael Guest (R) as the Congressional Representative for the area, collaboration between local and federal agencies is crucial for the effective management of this significant water resource infrastructure.
In conclusion, Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam stands as a critical element in the flood risk reduction efforts in Smith, Mississippi. With its strategic location, design, and capacity, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the area from potential flooding events. Continuous inspection, maintenance, and risk management measures are necessary to ensure the dam's functionality and safety for the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Drainage Area |
1.41 |
Nid Storage |
775 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Leaf River Nr Collins
|
349cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Laurel
|
17cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Waldrup
|
164cfs |
Okatoma Creek At Sanford
|
354cfs |
Bouie Creek Nr Hattiesburg
|
481cfs |
Leaf River At Hattiesburg
|
1920cfs |
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.
Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam