Galen Nichols Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Galen Nichols Dam, located in Noxubee, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 11 feet, offers a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Although the dam has a low hazard potential, it is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being uncontrolled, the dam's spillway type and moderate risk assessment (rated 3) indicate a level of preparedness for managing potential risks. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and there are no emergency action plans in place as of the last update in April 2021. The dam's location within the Mobile District and its distance from any specific river or stream highlight its importance in managing water resources in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Galen Nichols Dam serves as a fascinating case study in private ownership and regulation of a recreational earth dam in Mississippi. Its design, construction, and management offer valuable insights into the balance between water resource utilization for recreation and the need for environmental protection and safety measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the operations and risk management of structures like Galen Nichols Dam becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable water management practices.
Dam Height |
11 |
Drainage Area |
937.5 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tombigbee River At Bevill L&D Nr Pickensville
|
7340cfs |
Noxubee River At Macon
|
146cfs |
Noxubee River Nr Geiger
|
188cfs |
Bodka Creek Near Geiger
|
15cfs |
Tombigbee R At Gainesville L&D Nr Gainesville Al
|
3040cfs |
Luxapallila Creek Nr Columbus
|
563cfs |
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.
Galen Nichols Dam