Willis Graves Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Breshears Lake Dam Mabry Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Willis Graves Lake Dam is a private dam located in Benton, Mississippi, with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1993, this earth dam has a height of 22 feet and a length of 606 feet, providing a storage capacity of 188 acre-feet. Situated on Miller Branch, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not rated condition assessment.
Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Willis Graves Lake Dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure safety and compliance. It serves as a recreational area with a surface area of 15 acres and a drainage area of 0.37 square miles. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 86 cubic feet per second, and the dam is classified as moderate risk level with a risk assessment score of 3.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Willis Graves Lake Dam provides an intriguing case study of a privately-owned structure designed for recreation while also meeting state regulatory requirements for safety and maintenance. With its location in a picturesque setting in Mississippi, this dam offers both recreational opportunities and a glimpse into the management of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
606 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
MILLER BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.37 |
Nid Storage |
188 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
172cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
220cfs |
Coldwater River Nr Olive Branch
|
112cfs |
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.
Willis Graves Lake Dam