Big Sand Watershed Structure Y-32-09b Dam

Big Sand Watershed Structure Y-32-09b Dam is an earth dam located in Carroll County, Mississippi, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Big Sand Watershed Structure Y-32-09b Dam

The primary purpose of Big Sand Watershed Structure Y-32-09b Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is local government-owned. It impounds the Little Sand Creek near Between Winona And Carrolton.

The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 979 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 809 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/08/2022.

At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Mississippi dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMississippi
CountyCarroll
Nearest CityBetween Winona And Carrolton
River/StreamLittle Sand Creek
Coordinates33.48482, -89.85708

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height38 ft
Dam Height38 ft
Dam Length979 ft
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage809 acre-ft
Max Storage809 acre-ft
Normal Storage188 acre-ft
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection11/08/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMS01058
Federal IDMS01058
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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