Gideon Lake Number 4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Gideon Lake Number 4 Dam, located in Madison, Mississippi, was completed in 1998 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 14 feet high and spans a length of 1040 feet, with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Panther Creek and is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring state-mandated inspections and enforcement measures are in place.

Despite being categorized with a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate (3), indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management. While the condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified. The structure's spillway is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 824 cubic feet per second, making it crucial to assess the potential impact of high water levels on downstream areas and wildlife habitats.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Gideon Lake Number 4 Dam an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and regulation. As a privately-owned recreational facility, this dam represents the delicate balance between human leisure activities and environmental conservation. Its location within a small drainage area highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially in the face of changing climate patterns. Monitoring the dam's condition, hazard potential, and risk assessment will be crucial in ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems in the years to come.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

1040

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

UNT OF PANTHER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.