Discover the Largest Dam in Mississippi

Written by Kathryn Koehler
Updated: August 3, 2023
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With its towering structure and vast reservoir stretching for miles, Sardis Dam stands as a testament to mankind’s ability to harness the power of nature.

The Sardis Dam is the biggest dam in Mississippi, stretching 15,300 feet (4 km) long and standing around 97 feet (29.6 meters) tall on average.

Sardis Dam is 15,300 feet (4 km) long at its crest with an average height of 97 feet (29.6 meters) making it the largest dam in the state of Mississippi. Located in Northwest Mississippi, about an hour’s drive from Memphis, Tennessee, this engineering marvel has stood the test of time, providing countless benefits to the people of the region since its completion in 1940.

As the largest dam in the state, Sardis Dam holds a special place in the history and culture of Mississippi. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the largest dam in Mississippi.

Sardis Lake and Dam

Sardis Lake and Dam in Mississippi.

©Feng Cheng/Shutterstock.com

Where is the Largest Dam in Mississippi on a Map?

The Sardis Dam is located in the northwestern area of the state of Mississippi. You can find it fairly close to Interstate 55 and between the towns of Sardis and Oxford, Mississippi.

Reaching the dam is only an hour’s drive south of Memphis, Tennessee, and if you are driving westward from Tupelo, Mississippi, it is about an hour and a half car ride.

Sardis Lake is a dominant landmark for the state and stretches across the northern part of Mississippi. It covers almost 100,000 acres!

The History of Sardis Dam

Sardis Dam is a hydraulic fill dam located on the Little Tallahatchie River in Panola County and Lafayette County, Mississippi. It was completed in 1940, and at that time and for many years after, was the largest dam of its type in the world.

The dam is 15,300 feet (4 km) long at its crest, or the top of the dam, and has a height of 97 feet (29.6 meters) from the foundation to the top of the dam. The base of the dam is 720 feet (219 meters) wide. The dam and the impounded Sardis Lake are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the purposes of flood control, hydropower generation, and recreation.

Sardis Lake

Sardis Lake is the reservoir created by the construction of the Sardis Dam on the Little Tallahatchie River. The lake has the following metrics:

  • Surface Area: Approximately 98,520 acres (40k hectares)
  • Shoreline Length: Approximately 105 miles (169 kilometers)
  • Maximum Depth: Approximately 90 feet (27 meters)
  • Mean Depth: Approximately 35 feet (11 meters)
  • Water Capacity: Approximately 1.51 million acre-feet (1.86 billion cubic meters)
  • Drainage Area: Approximately 1,745 square miles (4,513 square kilometers)

Sardis Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and a variety of other water sports. It is home to a variety of fish species including bass, crappie, catfish, and bream.
The Sardis Lake area also offers several recreational facilities. These include campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a marina.

Sardis Dam and reservoir lake on the Tallahatchie River at John W Kyle State Park in Panola County, Mississippi. With Boats, partly cloudy sky, green grass, and the Sardis Lake Marina.

Sardis Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and a variety of other water sports

©DWBMedias/Shutterstock.com

The Largest Dam in Mississippi: Fauna

Sardis Lake and its surrounding areas are popular destinations for birdwatching, hunting, and fishing due to the diversity of wildlife present in the area. Some of the common wildlife species that can be found in and around Sardis Lake include:

  • White-tailed deer
  • Wild turkey
  • Eastern gray squirrel
  • Raccoon
  • Opossum
  • Bobcat
  • Red and gray fox
  • Coyote
  • Beaver
  • River otter
  • Bald eagle
  • Osprey
  • Great blue heron
  • Belted kingfisher
  • Woodpeckers
  • Songbirds
  • Waterfowl
  • Various species of fish, especially bass, catfish, and crappie.
Belted kingfisher

Belted kingfishers are one of many bird species that call Sardis Lake home.

©Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com

The Largest Dam in Mississippi: Flora

Pine forests, with species such as loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and slash pine, surround the lake. Along with pine trees, the region also contains a variety of hardwood species such as oak, hickory, sweetgum, and maple. The area surrounding the lake is home to a variety of wildflower species like butterfly weed, goldenrod, aster, and black-eyed Susan. The lake itself supports a variety of aquatic plants such as water lilies, duckweed, and American lotus.

Black-eyed Susan

The area surrounding the lake is home to a variety of wildflower species like butterfly weed, goldenrod, aster, and black-eyed Susan (pictured).

©iStock.com/Dopeyden

The Largest Dam in Mississippi: Frolicking

John W. Kyle State Park is located on the Northern side of Sardis Lake and offers camping, fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. Boating and jet skiing are popular activities on Sardis Lake, and visitors can bring their own boats or rent them from the marina.

The lake’s calm waters make it an ideal location for canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, and swimming. Sardis Lake has several designated swimming areas where visitors can cool off on hot summer days. Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular way to explore the lake’s scenic shoreline.

Fishing is a very popular activity at the lake. Sardis Lake is stocked with various species of fish to help maintain healthy populations for recreational fishing. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) regularly stocks the lake with species including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream.

The department also conducts regular surveys to monitor the health of fish populations in the lake and to ensure that the lake’s fishery remains sustainable for future generations.

Side view portrait of father and son sitting together on rocks fishing with rods in calm lake waters with landscape of setting sun, both wearing checkered shirts, shot from behind tree
Sardis Lake is stocked with various species of fish to help maintain healthy populations for recreational fishing.

©iStock.com/shironosov

The Largest Dam in Mississippi: Dam Burst!

Sardis Dam is designed to withstand floods. Spillways and gates allow for the controlled release of water during periods of high rainfall. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for monitoring the dam’s condition and conducting regular inspections to ensure its safety. They also have emergency response plans in place in the event of a dam failure to help minimize the damage and protect public safety.

However, were the Sardis dam to burst, it would result in flooding. The sudden release of water would cause extensive flooding downstream, affecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The force of the water would undoubtedly cause significant damage to buildings and other structures in the area.

If people were caught off guard and unable to evacuate, a dam failure could result in loss of life. The sudden influx of water could cause environmental damage downstream, including erosion and loss of habitat for wildlife that would take years to recoup.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Feng Cheng/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.

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