Black Bayou Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Black Bayou Dam, also known as Black Lake Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Hosston, Louisiana.


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Summary

Completed in 1955 by the Louisiana Department of Public Works, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for recreation and water supply purposes along the Black Bayou river. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 1400 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 46,500 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3860 acres.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Black Bayou Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 400 feet and outlet gates in the form of slide sluice gates. The dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate, with a risk management plan yet to be detailed. With a history of modifications and a regular inspection frequency, Black Bayou Dam remains a key water resource for both recreational activities and local water supply needs.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BLACK BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3860

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

231

Nid Storage

46500

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.