Cotile Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Cotile Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 33 ft (taller than 91.9% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 6,040 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 49.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 775 acres |
| Drainage Area | 41 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 45,250 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1988 |
| NID ID | LA00031 |
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
Rapides Parish Police Jury
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cotile Lake Dam?
Cotile Lake 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 Cotile Lake Dam?
Cotile Lake Dam is owned by Rapides Parish Police Jury (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cotile Lake Dam built?
Cotile Lake Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Cotile Lake Dam?
Cotile Lake 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 Cotile Lake Dam?
Cotile Lake Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Cotile Lake Dam last inspected?
Cotile Lake Dam was last inspected on November 15, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.