Lake Forest Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Forest, located in Tangipahoa, Louisiana, is a privately owned Earth dam built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

It serves multiple purposes, including providing a habitat for fish and wildlife, fire protection, and recreational activities. With a capacity of 320 acre-feet and a surface area of 25 acres, Lake Forest is a vital water resource in the area, drawing water from TR-Terrys Creek.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Lake Forest is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 2 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 140 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area is at moderate risk of flooding, with a drainage area of 0.06 square miles.

Overall, Lake Forest is a significant water resource in the region, providing essential benefits to both wildlife and the local community. Its construction and maintenance are overseen by the USDA NRCS, ensuring its continued functionality and safety for all who rely on it. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Forest presents a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam contributing to environmental conservation and recreational opportunities in Louisiana.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

5345

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TR-TERRYS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

320

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.