Williams Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Williams Lake Dam, located in Cullen, Louisiana, is a privately-owned structure managed by the International Paper Co.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1938, stands at a height of 17 feet and serves primarily for water supply purposes. With a storage capacity of 2754 acre-feet and a surface area of 165 acres, the dam regulates the flow of the TR-Bodcau Bayou, contributing to the local water resources management.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Williams Lake Dam is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The dam's spillway type is listed as "None," suggesting a unique design that may pose challenges in managing high discharge events. Additionally, the dam's risk assessment is classified as high (2), indicating a need for robust risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and infrastructure.

With its historical significance dating back over eight decades, Williams Lake Dam remains a vital component of the water infrastructure in Webster Parish, Louisiana. As climate change continues to impact water resources and extreme weather events become more frequent, the proper maintenance and monitoring of this dam will be crucial in safeguarding its integrity and functionality for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

1310

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-BODCAU BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

165

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

1.35

Nid Storage

2754

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.