Bayou Cocodrie Dam
Key Takeaway
Bayou Cocodrie Dam is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 28 ft (taller than 84.9% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 100.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 240 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | LA00012 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
State of Louisiana
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bayou Cocodrie Dam?
Bayou Cocodrie 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 Bayou Cocodrie Dam?
Bayou Cocodrie Dam is owned by State of Louisiana (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bayou Cocodrie Dam built?
Bayou Cocodrie Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Cocodrie Dam?
Bayou Cocodrie 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 Cocodrie Dam?
Bayou Cocodrie Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Cocodrie Dam last inspected?
Bayou Cocodrie Dam was last inspected on November 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.