Brown Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Brown Dam, located in Yazoo, Mississippi, is a privately owned recreational dam built in 1995 on the Bluff Creek.
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Summary
Standing at 21 feet high with a length of 430 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 12.7 acres. Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with environmental standards.
The primary purpose of Brown Dam is for recreation, offering opportunities for activities like fishing and boating in the surrounding area. Despite being classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and not currently rated for condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk. With a maximum discharge of 222 cubic feet per second, it features an uncontrolled spillway type and does not have locks or outlet gates. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified, the dam's risk level is recognized as moderate, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards.
Overall, Brown Dam serves as a valuable resource for water-based activities in the Yazoo area, contributing to the local recreational landscape. As a privately owned structure with state oversight, its construction and maintenance are essential to ensuring both the safety of visitors and the preservation of the surrounding environment. With a focus on recreational use and a moderate risk profile, Brown Dam represents a key intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the Mississippi region.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF BLUFF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.29 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Black River Nr Bentonia
|
392cfs |
Hanging Moss Creek Nr Jackson
|
356cfs |
Harland Creek Nr Howard
|
3340cfs |
Lynch Creek At Jackson
|
1100cfs |
Pearl River At Jackson
|
362cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
520cfs |
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.
Brown Dam