Bayou Dupont No 18 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Bayou Dupont No 18, also known as Manasco, is a privately owned earth dam located in Natchitoches, Louisiana.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along with providing benefits for fish and wildlife pond creation and recreational activities. With a dam height of 28 feet and a hydraulic height of 28 feet, Bayou Dupont No 18 has a storage capacity of 666 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 39 acres.

The dam, situated on Stoker Branch, has a significant hazard potential and is classified in fair condition as of the last inspection in July 2020. It has a controlled spillway width of 11 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2150 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications over the years, it is subject to regular inspections by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as the state regulatory agency. It is vital for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and assess the risk associated with Bayou Dupont No 18 to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction and water management.

Overall, Bayou Dupont No 18 stands as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Natchitoches, Louisiana, showcasing the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. With its historical significance dating back to 1962, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose while offering additional benefits for wildlife and recreational activities. As efforts to maintain and improve the dam's condition continue, it remains essential for stakeholders and enthusiasts in the water resource and climate fields to stay informed about the risk management measures and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and sustainability of Bayou Dupont No 18.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

STOKER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

666

Structural Height

36

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.