Lower Caney Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Caney, located in Webster, Louisiana, is a Federal-owned fish and wildlife pond with a primary purpose of supporting local wildlife and recreational activities.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1937, stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 4722 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 226 acres and is fed by Caney Creek, with a drainage area of 8 square miles.

The dam's design, primarily earth-based with stone core types and a soil foundation, poses a significant hazard potential and is categorized as "Moderate (3)" in terms of risk assessment. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 120 feet, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The dam has undergone modifications in 2006, focusing on mechanical enhancements. Despite its age, the dam's condition has not been rated, and its last inspection was conducted in May 2013.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Caney presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam that continues to serve both wildlife conservation and recreational purposes. Its risk assessment and hazard potential offer valuable insights into the challenges and management strategies associated with aging infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Years Modified

2006 - Mechanical

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

1320

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

CANEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

226

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

4722

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.
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