Carrie Lou Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Carrie Lou Pond Dam, also known as Hollenshead Dam, is a private earth dam located in Bethany, Louisiana.


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Summary

Constructed in 1954 by USDA NRCS, this dam primarily serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with additional purposes including Fire Protection, Stock, and Recreation. The dam stands at a height of 18 feet, with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 21 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 120 acre-feet.

Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Carrie Lou Pond Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in January 2021. The dam has a spillway width of 75 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 640 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 0.94 square miles and a surface area of 15 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting wildlife habitat along Buck Creek.

Despite its modest size, Carrie Lou Pond Dam contributes to the local ecosystem and provides recreational opportunities for the community. With its moderate risk assessment and regular inspections, the dam continues to fulfill its intended purpose while ensuring the safety and well-being of surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a prime example of sustainable infrastructure management in action.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

BUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.94

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.