Caney Creek Dam

Caney Creek· Jackson, Louisiana· Built 1986· Earth· 73 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Caney Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 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 73 ft (taller than 99.6% in LA)
Dam Length6,190 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage125.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage79.6K acre-ft
Surface Area4,970 acres
Drainage Area42 sq mi
Max Discharge8,400 cfs
Year Completed1986 (40 years old)
NID IDLA00385

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 22, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: LA DOTD

Ownership

Jackson Parish Watershed District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Caney Creek Dam?

Caney Creek 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 Caney Creek Dam?

Caney Creek Dam is owned by Jackson Parish Watershed District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Caney Creek Dam built?

Caney Creek Dam was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Caney Creek Dam?

Caney Creek 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 Caney Creek Dam?

Caney Creek Dam has a dam height of 73 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 Caney Creek Dam last inspected?

Caney Creek Dam was last inspected on June 22, 2023. 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.