Lake Copiah Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Copiah Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 30 ft (taller than 89.5% in MS) |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 142 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,275 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | MS00498 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
LAKE COPIAH INC
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Lake Copiah Dam?
Lake Copiah 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 Lake Copiah Dam?
Lake Copiah Dam is owned by LAKE COPIAH INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Copiah Dam built?
Lake Copiah Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Lake Copiah Dam?
Lake Copiah Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Copiah Dam?
Lake Copiah Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Lake Copiah Dam last inspected?
Lake Copiah Dam was last inspected on March 28, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.