Bayou Bonne Idee Dam

Bayou Bonne Idee· Morehouse, Louisiana· Built 1956· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bayou Bonne Idee Dam is classified as significant hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 76.3% in LA)
Dam Length650 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage6.0K acre-ft
Surface Area670 acres
Drainage Area62 sq mi
Max Discharge4,600 cfs
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDLA00259

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 25, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: LA DOTD

Ownership

Bayou Bonne Idee Gravity Drainage District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bayou Bonne Idee Dam?

Bayou Bonne Idee Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bayou Bonne Idee Dam?

Bayou Bonne Idee Dam is owned by Bayou Bonne Idee Gravity Drainage District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bayou Bonne Idee Dam built?

Bayou Bonne Idee Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Bayou Bonne Idee Dam?

Bayou Bonne Idee 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 Bayou Bonne Idee Dam?

Bayou Bonne Idee Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Bayou Bonne Idee Dam last inspected?

Bayou Bonne Idee Dam was last inspected on August 25, 2021. 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.