Wellsgate Lake Number 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wellsgate Lake Number 1 Dam, located in Lafayette, Mississippi, was completed in 1999 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private dam stands at 26 feet high with a length of 1550 feet, holding a storage capacity of 1567 acre-feet of water from the West Goose Creek. Despite being regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition following the last inspection in January 2012.

With its earth core and stone foundation, Wellsgate Lake Number 1 Dam contributes to the conservation of water resources in the region, supporting a surface area of 132 acres and a drainage area of 4.75 square miles. The dam's spillway, categorized as uncontrolled, has a maximum discharge capacity of 1155 cubic feet per second. Additionally, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with no official Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place as of the last data update in April 2021. As a significant feature in the Vicksburg District, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and facilitating recreational activities for the local community.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

1550

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

WEST GOOSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

132

Drainage Area

4.75

Nid Storage

1567

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.