The Norbertine Fathers Of St Moses The Black Priory Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The Norbertine Fathers of St Moses The Black Priory Dam, located in Hinds, Mississippi, stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and climate consciousness.


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Summary

Completed in 2003, this private dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 22 feet and a length of 450 feet. Its earth core buttress structure ensures stability and safety, with a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2020.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, this dam on the UNT of Snake Creek provides vital water storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, benefiting the local community and ecosystem. With a drainage area of 0.15 square miles and a maximum discharge of 192 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water regulation. Despite its moderate risk assessment, regular inspections and enforcement by the state regulatory agency ensure the dam's reliability and functionality for years to come.

Supported by Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D) and the Vicksburg District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, The Norbertine Fathers of St Moses The Black Priory Dam stands as a model of sustainable infrastructure in Mississippi. With its uncontrolled spillway and satisfactory emergency action plan, this dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and community engagement. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, we can look to this dam as a beacon of responsible stewardship and environmental protection in the face of changing climates and growing water demands.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

UNT OF SNAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.