Watts Number 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Watts Number 1 Dam, located in Wilkinson, Mississippi, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 2001, this earth dam with a height of 35 feet and a length of 228 feet serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 2.3 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring that it meets necessary safety and environmental standards.
Despite its low hazard potential, Watts Number 1 Dam is not currently rated for its condition, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a moderate risk assessment rating, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk management measures. With its location on the Unt of Sara Bayou and under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam plays a crucial role in the local water infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of water resources and climate considerations in the region.
As a private-owned structure, Watts Number 1 Dam serves as a vital resource for the community, offering both recreational opportunities and water management functions. Its presence underscores the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure in the face of changing climatic conditions, ensuring the protection of both the environment and the local population. With careful regulation and maintenance, this dam stands as a beacon of responsible water resource management in the Mississippi region.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
228 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF SARA BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Buffalo River Nr Woodville
|
257cfs |
Homochitto River At Rosetta
|
2130cfs |
Comite River Near Olive Branch
|
65cfs |
(Coe) Atchafalaya River At Simmesport
|
105000cfs |
Amite River Near Darlington
|
267cfs |
Bayou Des Glaises Diversion Ch. At Moreauville
|
884cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Watts Number 1 Dam