Shady Cove Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Shady Cove Dam, located in SARDIS, Mississippi, was completed in 2004 by the US Army Corps of Engineers and serves as a vital water resource structure on Rainy Branch Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 1920 acre-feet, with a primary purpose of "Other." The dam's hazard potential is rated as High, with a moderate risk assessment of 3.

The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages dam-related flood risks associated with Shady Cove Dam by monitoring its condition, prioritizing risk-reducing activities, and engaging with emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and readiness for potential emergencies. Regular maintenance and repairs are conducted to ensure the dam's structural integrity and proper function. The dam's emergency action plan is regularly updated, and USACE collaborates with local authorities to develop evacuation plans and coordinate responses in case of a dam-related emergency.

Dams like Shady Cove Dam play a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks, but they do not eliminate all potential dangers. Severe weather events can lead to increased water inflow and the need for controlled releases to prevent overflow or structural issues. As the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to monitor and manage the risks associated with Shady Cove Dam, additional information specific to this structure will be provided in the future.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Rainy Branch Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

120

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

1920

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.