Upshaw Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Upshaw Lake Dam, located in Holmes, Mississippi, serves as a vital recreational resource for water and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
Completed in 2005, this earth dam stands at a height of 37.2 feet, with a hydraulic height of 32.2 feet, and a structural height of 42.2 feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering a surface area of 100 acres and a normal storage capacity of 985 acre-feet. Situated on Mills Creek, the dam provides a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Managed by a private owner, Upshaw Lake Dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring proper inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes are in place. The dam's spillway type is classified as uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1336 cubic feet per second. While the hazard potential is currently listed as undetermined and the condition assessment is not rated, the risk assessment for the dam is categorized as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. Overall, Upshaw Lake Dam stands as a significant water resource that harmoniously blends recreation with environmental conservation efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
1250 |
Dam Height |
37.2 |
River Or Stream |
MILLS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
100 |
Hydraulic Height |
32.2 |
Drainage Area |
1.88 |
Nid Storage |
1659 |
Structural Height |
42.2 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Harland Creek Nr Howard
|
3340cfs |
Big Black River At West
|
190cfs |
Yockanookany River Nr Kosciusko
|
54cfs |
Yockanookany River Nr Ofahoma
|
96cfs |
Pearl River Nr Lena
|
532cfs |
Pearl River Nr Carthage
|
277cfs |
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.
Upshaw Lake Dam