Lake Cole Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Lake Cole Dam, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is a private earth dam that stands at a height of 35 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 2005, this dam primarily serves the purpose of recreation, offering a storage capacity of 161.59 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres. The dam is situated on the UNT of Muddy Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

Designed by Timothy Shelton, P.E., the Lake Cole Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. While its hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition remains unrated, the dam poses a moderate risk level. With a maximum discharge capacity of 169.38 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and environmental conservation in the region, despite lacking specific emergency preparedness measures and guidelines.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Cole Dam serves as a noteworthy example of a privately owned structure contributing to the recreational and ecological landscape of Mississippi. As a key feature on the UNT of Muddy Creek, this earth dam underscores the importance of proper regulation and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area. With its design by a licensed professional and state oversight, Lake Cole Dam stands as a valuable asset for the community while highlighting the ongoing need for risk assessment and emergency planning in dam infrastructure management.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

346

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

UNT OF MUDDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

161.59

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.