Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-02 Dam

Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-02 Dam is an earth dam located in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, built in 1959. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-02 Dam

The primary purpose of Ascalmore Structure Y-17a-02 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.

The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 53 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,230 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1959, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/24/2021.

At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% 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 HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMississippi
CountyTallahatchie
Nearest CityN/a
Coordinates33.90940, -90.04477

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height39 ft
Dam Height39 ft
Dam Length800 ft
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,230 acre-ft
Max Storage2,230 acre-ft
Surface Area53 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection05/24/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMS01684
Federal IDMS01684
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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