Defee Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Defee Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 10 ft (taller than 9.7% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 65 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 53 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 240 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | LA00252 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
William Defee III
Private
Nearby Dams
Nantachie Lake Dam
Grant, LA
Low Hazard 37 ftNantachie Lake Dam No. 2
Grant, LA
Low Hazard 29 ftMike Ortego Dam
Natchitoches, LA
Low Hazard 8 ftCharles Bryant Dam
Grant, LA
Low Hazard 17 ftBourdeux Lake
Natchitoches, LA
Low Hazard 6 ftCane River Dam
Natchitoches, LA
Significant Hazard 32 ftCane River Lake Dam Lower Embankment
Natchitoches, LA
Low Hazard 44 ftRed River Lock and Dam 3
Natchitoches, LA
Significant HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Defee Lake Dam?
Defee Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Defee Lake Dam?
Defee Lake Dam is owned by William Defee III (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Defee Lake Dam built?
Defee Lake Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Defee Lake Dam?
Defee 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 Defee Lake Dam?
Defee Lake Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Defee Lake Dam last inspected?
Defee Lake Dam was last inspected on March 24, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.