Pleasant Valley No 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pleasant Valley No 5, also known as Scarborough Creek No 5 or Big Ditch, is a key flood risk reduction infrastructure located in Angie, Louisiana.


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Summary

Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 840 feet in length, providing essential protection to the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 390 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.63 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Washington Parish.

Despite its age, Pleasant Valley No 5 is in fair condition with a significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment. The dam is state-regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, ensuring that it meets all necessary standards for safety and functionality. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with a slide gate outlet for water release, highlighting its importance in mitigating flood risks and protecting the local community. With regular inspections and a designated emergency action plan, Pleasant Valley No 5 remains a vital structure for flood control and water management in the region.

Overall, Pleasant Valley No 5 serves as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management and climate resilience. With its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, as well as secondary benefits for fish and wildlife habitat and recreation, this dam exemplifies the vital role that infrastructure plays in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, structures like Pleasant Valley No 5 are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Washington Parish and beyond.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

840

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-SCARBOROUGHS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

0.63

Nid Storage

390

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.