Okatibbee Dam
Key Takeaway
Okatibbee Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 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 Length | 6,620 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 59.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 46.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 153 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,250 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | MS01491 |
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
USACE - Mobile District
Federal Government
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What is the hazard classification of Okatibbee Dam?
Okatibbee 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 Okatibbee Dam?
Okatibbee Dam is owned by USACE - Mobile District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Okatibbee Dam built?
Okatibbee Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Okatibbee Dam?
Okatibbee Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Okatibbee Dam last inspected?
Okatibbee Dam was last inspected on March 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.