Westlake Dam

UNT OF BEAR CREEK· Madison, Mississippi· Built 1986· Earth· 24 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Westlake Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 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 24 ft (taller than 75.8% in MS)
Dam Length1,100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage557 acre-ft
Normal Storage198 acre-ft
Surface Area45 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,085 cfs
Year Completed1986 (40 years old)
NID IDMS03662

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: November 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Ownership

WESTLAKE DEVELOPMENT LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Westlake Dam?

Westlake 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 Westlake Dam?

Westlake Dam is owned by WESTLAKE DEVELOPMENT LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Westlake Dam built?

Westlake Dam was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Westlake Dam?

Westlake Dam 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 Westlake Dam?

Westlake Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Westlake Dam last inspected?

Westlake Dam was last inspected on November 9, 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.