Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam

Smith, Mississippi· Built 1976· Earth· 22 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 70.2% in MS)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage775 acre-ft
Normal Storage69 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)
NID IDMS03063

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: February 15, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Ownership

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam?

Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam?

Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam is owned by information not available (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam built?

Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam?

Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam?

Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam has a dam height of 22 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam last inspected?

Big Creek Watershed Structure 15 Dam was last inspected on February 15, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.