Rice Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rice Lake Dam, located in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1905, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a structural height of 27 feet, with a length of 790 feet. The dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 900 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 756 acre-feet and a surface area of 72 acres.

Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Rice Lake Dam has a spillway width of 130 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type. Despite its age, the dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in December 2020. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has not had any emergency action plans prepared or updated recently, but is subject to regular inspections every five years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Overall, Rice Lake Dam stands as a historic and essential structure on Paige Bayou, providing both recreational opportunities and a vital water resource for the surrounding area. Its maintenance and regulation by the state ensure its ongoing safety and performance, making it a significant asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and monitor.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

790

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

PAIGE BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

72

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

900

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.