Ben Vaughn Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ms06789 Lake Dam Ms04889 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ben Vaughn Lake Dam, located in Lowndes, Mississippi, is a private-owned dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1996, this earth dam stands at a height of 20.6 feet and has a length of 320 feet. It has a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres, drawing water from the UNT of Cooper Creek.
Managed and regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Ben Vaughn Lake Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam is regularly inspected, maintained, and enforced by the state regulatory agencies. With a controlled spillway type and a maximum discharge of 539 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures the safety and stability of its surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ben Vaughn Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. With its recreational focus and state oversight, this dam exemplifies the balance between human enjoyment and environmental protection in water resource development. Its modest size and design make it an accessible and educational site for those interested in the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and recreational infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
20.6 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF COOPER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.32 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Ben Vaughn Lake Dam