Upper Caney Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Upper Caney, located in Webster, Louisiana, is a Federal-owned earth dam structure built in 1937 by the USDA Forest Service.


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Summary

The dam sits on Caney Creek, serving primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond for recreational purposes. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 1300 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 3175 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 165 acres.

Despite being labeled as low hazard potential, Upper Caney has a moderate risk assessment rating due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 200 feet, and is designed with stone core and soil foundation. The structure has not been modified in recent years, and its last inspection was conducted in 2010. Although the condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," the dam remains under the regulatory oversight of the Forest Service.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Caney presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam with potential risk factors. As the structure continues to age, monitoring its condition and implementing necessary risk management measures will be crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. With its picturesque surroundings and recreational offerings, Upper Caney serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and oversight in preserving our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

CANEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

165

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

3175

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.