Joe Nester Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Joe Nester Dam, located in Jones, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1992, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 350 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Situated on the UNT of Big Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Joe Nester Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. Despite its moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam has yet to have an emergency action plan prepared or updated. With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a maximum discharge of 62 cubic feet per second, the dam poses a moderate risk but serves as an important resource for water recreation enthusiasts in the area.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
0.19 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Leaf River Nr Collins
|
190cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Laurel
|
17cfs |
Okatoma Creek At Sanford
|
127cfs |
Tallahala Creek At Waldrup
|
164cfs |
Bouie Creek Nr Hattiesburg
|
162cfs |
Leaf River At Hattiesburg
|
747cfs |
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.
Joe Nester Dam