White Cypress Lake Dam

UNT OF WHITE CYPRESS CREEK· Hancock, Mississippi· Built 1972· Earth· 27 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

White Cypress Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 27 ft (taller than 84.9% in MS)
Dam Length1,383 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.2K acre-ft
Surface Area120 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge7,591 cfs
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDMS03713

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 27, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Ownership

WHITE CYPRESS LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of White Cypress Lake Dam?

White Cypress Lake 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 White Cypress Lake Dam?

White Cypress Lake Dam is owned by WHITE CYPRESS LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was White Cypress Lake Dam built?

White Cypress Lake Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 White Cypress Lake Dam?

White Cypress Lake 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 White Cypress Lake Dam?

White Cypress Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 White Cypress Lake Dam last inspected?

White Cypress Lake Dam was last inspected on March 27, 2023. 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.