Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 64 ft (taller than 99.9% in MS) |
| Dam Length | 18,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 540.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 360.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 33,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,050 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 250,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | MS02716 |
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
PEARL RIV. VAL. WTR. SUP. DIST
State Government
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What is the hazard classification of Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam?
Ross Barnett Reservoir 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 Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam?
Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam is owned by PEARL RIV. VAL. WTR. SUP. DIST (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam built?
Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam?
Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam?
Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 64 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 Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Ross Barnett Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.