Bayou Desiard Dam

Bayou De Siard· Ouachita, Louisiana· Built 1933· Earth· 39 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bayou Desiard Dam is classified as significant hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1933 and is 93 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 39 ft (taller than 95.9% in LA)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.4K acre-ft
Surface Area600 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge500 cfs
Year Completed1933 (93 years old)
Year Modified1960
NID IDLA00265

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: May 18, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: LA DOTD

Ownership

City of Monroe

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bayou Desiard Dam?

Bayou Desiard 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 Desiard Dam?

Bayou Desiard Dam is owned by City of Monroe (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bayou Desiard Dam built?

Bayou Desiard Dam was completed in 1933, making it 93 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 Desiard Dam?

Bayou Desiard Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bayou Desiard Dam?

Bayou Desiard Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Desiard Dam last inspected?

Bayou Desiard Dam was last inspected on May 18, 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.