Sibley Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sibley Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 36 ft (taller than 93.5% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 6,045 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 56.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,176 acres |
| Drainage Area | 40 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | LA00027 |
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
City of Natchitoches
Local Government
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High Hazard 37 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sibley Lake Dam?
Sibley 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 Sibley Lake Dam?
Sibley Lake Dam is owned by City of Natchitoches (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sibley Lake Dam built?
Sibley 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 Sibley Lake Dam?
Sibley Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sibley Lake Dam?
Sibley Lake Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Sibley Lake Dam last inspected?
Sibley Lake Dam was last inspected on July 10, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.