Cross Lake Dam And Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cross Lake Dam and Spillway, located in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a critical water resource infrastructure designed by J N CHESTER ENGINEERS and completed in 1925.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 50 feet and serves primarily for water supply purposes, with a storage capacity of 215,000 acre-feet. The spillway, with a controlled design and a width of 216 feet, ensures the safe discharge of water during peak flow events.

The dam, situated on Cross Bayou, is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, with state-permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam is rated in fair condition as of the last assessment in August 2020. With a very high risk assessment rating, measures for risk management and emergency action planning are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of this crucial water infrastructure in the region.

With its significant storage capacity and vital role in water supply for the area, Cross Lake Dam and Spillway stands as a key structure in Caddo, Louisiana. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and safety of such infrastructure become increasingly important for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing conditions.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

10820

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

CROSS BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8768

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

253

Nid Storage

215000

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

50
       
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.