James E. Davis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

James E.


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Summary

Davis Lake Dam, located in Lafayette County, Mississippi, is a privately-owned structure designed by Daniels Williams Engineering. Completed in 2006, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 5.45 acres and a storage capacity of 66.7 acre-feet. With a structural height of 22 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet, the dam poses a low hazard potential and is classified as not rated in terms of condition assessment.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, James E. Davis Lake Dam ensures state-regulated safety measures are in place, including inspection, permitting, and enforcement protocols. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and has a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While it has not been modified in recent years, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unspecified. Despite its private ownership, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Overall, James E. Davis Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure piece in Oxford, Mississippi, contributing to both recreational activities and water resource conservation efforts. Its strategic location and design characteristics make it an essential element in the local ecosystem, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the community.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

18

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.45

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

66.7

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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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.