Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam

NELSE BRANCH· Smith, Mississippi· Built 1976· Earth· 34 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 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 34 ft (taller than 94.6% in MS)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage201 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge2,311 cfs
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)
NID IDMS02784

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 10, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Ownership

UPPER LEAF RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam?

Upper Leaf River Structure 9 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 Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam?

Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam is owned by UPPER LEAF RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam built?

Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam?

Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam?

Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam last inspected?

Upper Leaf River Structure 9 Dam was last inspected on March 10, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.