Black Lake Bayou Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 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 | 37 ft (taller than 94.5% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 2,380 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 320.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 109.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13,800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 920 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 50,035 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1990 (36 years old) |
| NID ID | LA00386 |
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 Black Lake Bayou Reservoir?
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir 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 Black Lake Bayou Reservoir?
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir is owned by State of Louisiana (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Lake Bayou Reservoir built?
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir was completed in 1990, making it 36 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 Black Lake Bayou Reservoir?
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir 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 Black Lake Bayou Reservoir?
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir has a dam height of 37 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 Black Lake Bayou Reservoir last inspected?
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir was last inspected on July 14, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.