Canning Lake Dam Wwtp Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Canning Lake Dam Wwtp, located in Avoyelles, Louisiana, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by designer J D Mayeau, this Earth dam stands at 7 feet high with a hydraulic height of 6 feet and a length of 4530 feet. The dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control, with a normal storage capacity of 216 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 252 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Canning Lake Dam Wwtp poses a high risk due to its location near the TR-Bayou Des Allemands. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks for navigation. Its last inspection was conducted in October 2012, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. While the dam meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, there are no emergency action plans or risk management measures in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Canning Lake Dam Wwtp provides an intriguing case study of a privately owned Earth dam in Louisiana. With its unique design features and potential risks, this structure offers opportunities for further research and analysis in the realm of dam safety and water resource management. The presence of a high-risk assessment despite a low hazard potential highlights the complexities of balancing infrastructure needs with environmental considerations in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

4530

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TR-BAYOU DES ALLEMANDS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Hydraulic Height

6

Nid Storage

252

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

7
       
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.