Castor Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Alligator Lake Morris Lake
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Castor Lake, located in Vernon, Louisiana, is a privately owned water resource known for its recreational opportunities.
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Summary
Built in 1932 by FJ RATEAU, this earth dam on Pond Branch stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 14 acres for activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Despite being rated as a low hazard potential structure, Castor Lake is under the regulatory oversight of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards. The controlled spillway with a width of 28 feet helps manage water levels, while the dam's foundations consist of soil and core types include buttress and stone. With a very high risk assessment rating, this water resource is vital for the Castor Lake community and plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Overall, Castor Lake is a significant water resource in Louisiana, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water management functions. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, this earth dam continues to be a valuable asset for the community and a key player in climate resilience efforts. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the details of Castor Lake's design, regulatory oversight, and risk assessment can offer insights into the complex interplay between human-made infrastructure and natural ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1932 |
Dam Length |
499 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
POND BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Anacoco Near Rosepine
|
124cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Burkeville
|
302cfs |
Sabine Rv At Toledo Bd Res Nr Burkeville
|
164cfs |
Bayou Toro Near Toro
|
35cfs |
Bundick Ck Nr De Ridder
|
70cfs |
Calcasieu River Nr Glenmora
|
108cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Castor Lake