Sardis Dam
Key Takeaway
Sardis Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 97 ft (taller than 100% in MS) |
| Dam Length | 15,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 108.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10,700 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,545 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 146,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | MS01493 |
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 - Vicksburg District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sardis Dam?
Sardis 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 Sardis Dam?
Sardis Dam is owned by USACE - Vicksburg District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sardis Dam built?
Sardis Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Sardis Dam?
Sardis Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sardis Dam?
Sardis Dam has a dam height of 97 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 Sardis Dam last inspected?
Sardis Dam was last inspected on May 5, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.