Fair Oaks Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Fair Oaks Lake Dam in Meridian, Mississippi, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an earth dam with buttress core types, stands at a height of 17.7 feet and has a storage capacity of 70.61 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, measuring 26 feet in width, is of the uncontrolled type. The dam is regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in November 2020, revealing a fair condition and a high hazard potential.
Located in Lauderdale County, Fair Oaks Lake Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. With a surface area of 5.72 acres and a drainage area of 0.09 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and mitigating flooding risks. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures require further clarification and potential updates to ensure the safety of the community and environment in case of emergencies.
Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate adaptation in the region will find Fair Oaks Lake Dam an essential component of the local infrastructure. As a key recreational and water management asset, the dam's ongoing maintenance and regulatory oversight are crucial to safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem and ensuring the safety of residents in the event of potential hazards.
Dam Height |
17.7 |
Surface Area |
5.72 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
70.61 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sowashee Creek At Meridian
|
16cfs |
Okatibbee Creek At Arundel
|
89cfs |
Chunky River Nr Chunky
|
301cfs |
Chickasawhay River At Enterprise
|
546cfs |
Sucarnoochee River At Livingston Al
|
272cfs |
Bodka Creek Near Geiger
|
15cfs |
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.
Fair Oaks Lake Dam