Olen Burrage Jr Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Olen Burrage Jr Lake Dam, located in Neshoba, Mississippi, stands as a testament to man's ingenuity in harnessing water resources for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1996, this earth dam with a buttress core serves primarily for recreation, offering a serene 12.9-acre lake for visitors to enjoy. With a maximum storage capacity of 188 acre-feet and a normal storage of 102 acre-feet, the dam provides a vital water source for the surrounding area.

Despite its recreational charm, Olen Burrage Jr Lake Dam is not without its risks. Classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to ensure its structural integrity. The most recent assessment in November 2020 deemed the dam to be in fair condition, with a moderate risk level. With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a maximum discharge of 450 cubic feet per second, measures are in place to manage any potential emergency situations.

As a privately-owned structure, Olen Burrage Jr Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation in the region. Situated in the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam stands as a symbol of sustainable water usage for recreational purposes while also highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and risk management in ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

21.5

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.9

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

188

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.