Lake Claiborne
Key Takeaway
Lake Claiborne is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 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 | 70 ft (taller than 99.4% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 5,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 200.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 99.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 133 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 45,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | LA00011 |
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
Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Foursome Lake Dam
Lincoln, LA
Low Hazard 40 ftKings Lake
Claiborne, LA
Low Hazard 10 ftJames Young Dam
Lincoln, LA
Low Hazard 26 ftTommy Hood Dam
Lincoln, LA
Low Hazard 15 ftIlh Holdings Dam
Lincoln, LA
Low Hazard 15 ftHays Ranch Dam
Lincoln, LA
Low Hazard 35 ftM.L. Hood Dam
Lincoln, LA
Low Hazard 20 ftKing Lake
Claiborne, LA
Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Claiborne?
Lake Claiborne 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 Lake Claiborne?
Lake Claiborne is owned by Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Claiborne built?
Lake Claiborne was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Lake Claiborne?
Lake Claiborne 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 Lake Claiborne?
Lake Claiborne has a dam height of 70 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 Lake Claiborne last inspected?
Lake Claiborne was last inspected on July 11, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.