Carson Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Litwiller Pond Brinkman Pond
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Carson Lake is a privately owned earth dam located in Beauregard, Louisiana, on Wild Cow Branch, designed by WD WEST and completed in 1985.
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Summary
The dam stands at 11 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet, with a surface area of 52 acres. It serves a primary purpose that is classified as "Other," with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment.
Despite its relatively modest size and capacity, Carson Lake plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. It is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, 60 feet wide, helps manage excess water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 249 cubic feet per second.
As a key infrastructure component in the area, Carson Lake provides valuable ecosystem services, flood protection, and water storage for agricultural purposes. Its condition assessment, conducted in May 2016, rated it as fair, indicating a need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and supporting water resource management efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
2270 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
WILD COW BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
52 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
190 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bundick Ck Nr De Ridder
|
75cfs |
Bayou Anacoco Near Rosepine
|
147cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Bon Wier
|
777cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Burkeville
|
318cfs |
Whiskey Chitto Creek Near Oberlin
|
253cfs |
Big Cow Ck Nr Newton
|
70cfs |
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.
Carson Lake