Cabin Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cabin Lake, located in Choctaw, Mississippi, is a federally owned fish and wildlife pond that serves as a recreational spot as well.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1937, is of earth type with a height of 14 feet and a hydraulic height of 9 feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for fish and wildlife conservation, with a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a total capacity of 60 acre-feet.

Managed by the USDA Forest Service, Cabin Lake is regulated, inspected, and operated by the agency. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 15 feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Cabin Lake is considered to have a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3. The last inspection took place in June 2016, with the condition assessment marked as "not rated".

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cabin Lake presents an interesting case study of a historic dam with a dual purpose of wildlife conservation and recreation. With a federal ownership and oversight by the Forest Service, the dam provides valuable insights into the management and regulation of water resources in Mississippi. The moderate risk level and the uncontrolled spillway type highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

14

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.