Lower Anacoco Dam

Bayou Anacoco· Vernon, Louisiana· Built 1951· Earth· 37 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lower Anacoco Dam is classified as low hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 37 ft (taller than 94.5% in LA)
Dam Length5,170 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage82.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage24.0K acre-ft
Surface Area2,600 acres
Drainage Area209 sq mi
Max Discharge55,500 cfs
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)
NID IDLA00001

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: LA DOTD

Ownership

Vernon Parish Police Jury

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Anacoco Dam?

Lower Anacoco 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 Lower Anacoco Dam?

Lower Anacoco Dam is owned by Vernon Parish Police Jury (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Anacoco Dam built?

Lower Anacoco Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Lower Anacoco Dam?

Lower Anacoco 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 Lower Anacoco Dam?

Lower Anacoco Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Lower Anacoco Dam last inspected?

Lower Anacoco Dam was last inspected on September 25, 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.