Chicot Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Chicot Lake Dam, located in Evangeline, Louisiana, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1940 by the Louisiana Department of Public Works.
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Summary
The dam, standing at 30 feet high with a structural height of 30 feet, serves primarily for recreation purposes on Chicot Lake. With a storage capacity of 13,200 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,640 acres, the dam on Bayou Chicot is a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and is inspected regularly by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, as the state regulatory agency. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the Chicot Lake Dam is in fair condition as of the last assessment in May 2020. With a moderate risk rating, the dam remains a critical structure for water management in the area, offering opportunities for wildlife habitat preservation and recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.
Overall, Chicot Lake Dam is a significant earth structure in Louisiana's water resource infrastructure, providing essential storage and recreation benefits to the region. As a state-regulated facility with a focus on maintaining a balance between water management and recreational activities, the dam serves as a prime example of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of climate change challenges. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chicot Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human-made structures and environmental conservation efforts in the heart of Louisiana's natural landscape.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
6423 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
BAYOU CHICOT |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1640 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
38.5 |
Nid Storage |
13200 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Chicot Lake Dam