Bayou Bonne Idee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Bayou Bonne Idee Dam, located in Morehouse, Louisiana, is a vital structure managed by the local government for irrigation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1956 by the Louisiana Department of Public Works, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 650 feet along Bayou Bonne Idee. With a maximum storage capacity of 7,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 62 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam's spillway, designed as uncontrolled with a width of 150 feet, ensures the safe discharge of excess water during heavy rainfall events. Despite being classified with a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of its last inspection in August 2018. The surrounding area covers 670 acres and accommodates a normal storage capacity of 6,000 acre-feet, providing recreational opportunities for the local community while serving as a reliable source of irrigation water for agriculture.

In case of emergencies, the dam's vertical lift outlet gates are ready to manage the flow of water efficiently. With a moderate risk assessment level and a regular inspection frequency, Bayou Bonne Idee Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region, ensuring both safety and sustainability for the local community and environment.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

BAYOU BONNE IDEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

670

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

62

Nid Storage

7000

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.