George Graves Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

George Graves Lake Dam in Lee, Mississippi, is a privately owned dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1996, this Earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a length of 500 feet, providing storage of 61 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 6.8 acres. Situated on the UNT of Shell Creek, the dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are in place to maintain its safety and integrity.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, George Graves Lake Dam remains a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area. The dam's spillway, categorized as uncontrolled, has a maximum discharge capacity of 361 cubic feet per second, further highlighting its importance in managing water flow. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, the state jurisdiction and regulatory agency play crucial roles in ensuring the dam's compliance with safety standards and guidelines.

For those interested in exploring water infrastructure and its impact on the environment, George Graves Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human-made structures and natural resources. Its design, construction, and regulatory oversight provide a valuable case study for understanding the complexities of managing water resources for recreational purposes while prioritizing safety and environmental sustainability. As a key feature in the Lee, Mississippi landscape, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and the preservation of natural ecosystems in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

UNT OF SHELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.8

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

61

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.