Vernon Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Vernon Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Louisiana. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 56 ft (taller than 99% in LA) |
| Dam Length | 5,275 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 99.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 57.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,250 acres |
| Drainage Area | 112 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 29,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2011 |
| NID ID | LA00022 |
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
Vernon Parish Police Jury
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lewis and Killan Lake
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Low Hazard 16 ftPeggy Stevens Pond
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Significant Hazard 15 ftLower Anacoco Dam
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Low Hazard 37 ftVinson Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 21 ftMorris Lake
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Significant Hazard 10 ftW. O. Caswell Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftPrairie Creek Pond
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Low Hazard 20 ftFrank Leach Dam
Vernon, LA
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Vernon Lake Dam?
Vernon 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 Vernon Lake Dam?
Vernon Lake 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 Vernon Lake Dam built?
Vernon Lake Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Vernon Lake Dam?
Vernon Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Vernon Lake Dam?
Vernon Lake Dam has a dam height of 56 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 Vernon Lake Dam last inspected?
Vernon Lake Dam was last inspected on September 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.