Rancy Meadows Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rancy Meadows Dam, located in DeSoto, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 28 feet and a length of 612 feet, was primarily built for recreational purposes along a lateral of Horn Lake Creek. It has a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet and a surface area of 17 acres, providing a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While it has not been inspected since March 2003, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage potential risks. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type ensures that excess water can be safely released to prevent flooding and maintain the integrity of the dam structure. With its picturesque location and moderate risk profile, Rancy Meadows Dam remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation in the area.

Although the dam does not have associated locks or outlet gates, its design as a buttress earth dam ensures stability and safety for visitors. While some details such as the year of completion and inspection frequency are not provided, the dam's overall design and purpose make it a valuable asset for the community and a key feature in the local water resource management system. For water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to explore the intersection of infrastructure and natural beauty, Rancy Meadows Dam offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the importance of sustainable engineering practices in maintaining a balance between human recreation and environmental conservation.

Dam Length

612

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

LATERAL OF HORN LAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

284

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.