Lee Hawkins Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Lee Hawkins Dam, located in Madison, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure that serves as a recreational spot along the Little Bear Creek.


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Summary

Built in 2004, this earth dam stands at a height of 21.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 340 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering visitors a serene environment to enjoy outdoor activities.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Lee Hawkins Dam has been deemed to have low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2004. With a moderate risk rating, the dam provides a safe recreational space for the community while also being equipped to handle emergency situations. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 565.3 cubic feet per second, ensuring proper water flow management during high water levels.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lee Hawkins Dam offers a glimpse into the careful planning and engineering that goes into creating sustainable structures for both recreational and environmental purposes. Its location in a picturesque setting and its effective risk management measures make it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water management and public safety.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

2210

Dam Height

21.3

River Or Stream

UNT OF LITTLE BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35.1

Hydraulic Height

19.3

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

340

Structural Height

26.3

Hazard Potential

Low

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.