Horseshoe Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horseshoe Lake Dam, located in Lafayette, Mississippi, is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1999, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and stretches 775 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet, it serves as a vital water resource for the area, providing both recreational opportunities and potential flood control measures.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2004, the dam poses a moderate risk which necessitates ongoing risk management measures. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a maximum discharge capacity of 499 cubic feet per second, serving to mitigate potential overflow during periods of high water levels.

With its picturesque location on the UNT of Pumpkin Creek, Horseshoe Lake Dam stands as a notable structure within the Vicksburg District. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, the dam plays a crucial role in water storage, recreational activities, and potential flood control efforts in the region. Its strategic design and maintenance highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

775

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

UNT OF PUMPKIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

91

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

34
       
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.