Brown Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Agency Pond Longville Lake
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Brown Lake Dam, located in Kernan, Beauregard, Louisiana, is a private earth dam constructed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 13 feet and with a length of 1000 feet, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, recreation, and water supply. It has a storage capacity of 460 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 42 acres, with a drainage area of 0.94 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, with the last inspection conducted in May 2016. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 50 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 126 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for Brown Lake Dam is moderate, indicating a potential for issues that may require attention. The dam is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Brown Lake Dam would find it to be a significant structure in the Cowpen Creek watershed. The dam's location and design make it a crucial asset for various water-related activities in the area. However, its current condition and risk assessment suggest that there may be challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of the dam. With proper maintenance and oversight, Brown Lake Dam can continue to serve its multiple purposes effectively for the community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
COWPEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.94 |
Nid Storage |
460 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bundick Ck Nr De Ridder
|
75cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Bon Wier
|
777cfs |
Bayou Anacoco Near Rosepine
|
147cfs |
Calcasieu River Near Kinder
|
762cfs |
Whiskey Chitto Creek Near Oberlin
|
253cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Ruliff
|
1190cfs |
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.
Brown Lake Dam