Lake Tara Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Tara Dam, located in Lafayette County, Mississippi, is a private-owned structure primarily serving the purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1985, the earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. With a surface area of 5.53 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, the dam is situated on the UNT of Toby Tubby Creek and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2019, Lake Tara Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge rate of 17 cubic feet per second. The dam poses a moderate risk, with emergency action plans last reviewed in February 2017. The structure undergoes inspections annually, with the last inspection conducted in June 2020, ensuring its continued safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Lake Tara Dam offers not only recreational opportunities but also serves as a crucial water resource in the region. As an earth dam with buttress core types, it plays a vital role in managing water levels and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the importance of this structure in maintaining ecological balance and supporting sustainable development in the area.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

255

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

UNT OF TOBY TUBBY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.53

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

46

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds