Mill Creek Dam

Mill Creek· Bienville, Louisiana· Built 1971· Earth· 67 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mill Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 67 ft (taller than 99.3% in LA)
Dam Length1,540 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage21.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage7.8K acre-ft
Surface Area580 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge4,680 cfs
Year Completed1971 (55 years old)
NID IDLA00024

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: July 10, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: LA DOTD

Ownership

Mill Creek Reservoir Commission

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Creek Dam?

Mill 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 Mill Creek Dam?

Mill Creek Dam is owned by Mill Creek Reservoir Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mill Creek Dam built?

Mill Creek Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Mill Creek Dam?

Mill 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 Mill Creek Dam?

Mill Creek Dam has a dam height of 67 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 Mill Creek Dam last inspected?

Mill Creek Dam was last inspected on July 10, 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.