Sowashee Creek Ws Str 8 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Meridian, Mississippi, the Sowashee Creek WS Str 8 Dam is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risk in the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1987, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 1200 feet, providing storage capacity of 2214 acre-feet. The dam is primarily regulated by the MS Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment as of February 2020, the Sowashee Creek WS Str 8 Dam is critical for managing flood risk and protecting the surrounding community. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, with a normal storage capacity of 113 acre-feet. The structure's spillway is uncontrolled, and it is associated with the Sowashee Creek, contributing to the overall water resource management in the region.
As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts in Lauderdale County, the Sowashee Creek WS Str 8 Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the area from potential inundation. With a moderate risk assessment rating and regular inspections every five years, the dam is a vital asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental protection in Mississippi.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
SOWASHEE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.42 |
Nid Storage |
2214 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sowashee Creek At Meridian
|
16cfs |
Okatibbee Creek At Arundel
|
89cfs |
Chunky River Nr Chunky
|
301cfs |
Chickasawhay River At Enterprise
|
546cfs |
Sucarnoochee River At Livingston Al
|
272cfs |
Bodka Creek Near Geiger
|
15cfs |
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.
Sowashee Creek Ws Str 8 Dam