Mcgowan Lake
Key Takeaway
Mcgowan Lake is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 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 | 26 ft (taller than 82.3% in MS) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 780 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| NID ID | MS03042 |
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
JOHN MCGOWAN
Private
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High Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mcgowan Lake?
Mcgowan Lake 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 Mcgowan Lake?
Mcgowan Lake is owned by JOHN MCGOWAN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mcgowan Lake built?
Mcgowan Lake was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Mcgowan Lake?
Mcgowan Lake 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 Mcgowan Lake?
Mcgowan Lake has a dam height of 26 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 Mcgowan Lake last inspected?
Mcgowan Lake was last inspected on December 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.