Hester Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hester Lake Dam, located in Attala, Mississippi, was completed in 2003 and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

Designed by Scott Coleman of NRCS, this private dam stands at a height of 21 feet with a hydraulic height of 18.4 feet. With a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 6.3 acres and has a drainage area of 0.04 square miles.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Hester Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering opportunities for outdoor activities in a picturesque setting. Despite being classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and not yet rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk with risk management measures in place.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and currently has no associated structures or outlet gates. With a maximum discharge capacity of 222.81 cubic feet per second, Hester Lake Dam provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature while also highlighting the importance of responsible water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

21

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.3

Hydraulic Height

18.4

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

58

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

21
       
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.