Bussy Brake Lake

Bussy Brake· Morehouse, Louisiana· Built 1954· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Bussy Brake Lake is classified as significant hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 33.1% in LA)
Dam Length41,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage39.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage30.0K acre-ft
Surface Area2,600 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge486 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDLA00705

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: No
Last Inspection: November 4, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: LA DOTD

Ownership

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bussy Brake Lake?

Bussy Brake Lake 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 Bussy Brake Lake?

Bussy Brake Lake is owned by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bussy Brake Lake built?

Bussy Brake Lake was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Bussy Brake Lake?

Bussy Brake Lake 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 Bussy Brake Lake?

Bussy Brake Lake has a dam height of 15 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 Bussy Brake Lake last inspected?

Bussy Brake Lake was last inspected on November 4, 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.