Bicknell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bicknell Lake Dam, located in Caddo, Louisiana, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS that serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

Built in 1940, this Earth dam stands 18 feet high with a length of 1200 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 200 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-Boggy Bayou river, with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2016.

This dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreational activities in the area. With a moderate risk assessment level of 3, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 80 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1179 cubic feet per second.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bicknell Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human engineering and natural ecosystems. As a prime example of sustainable water management practices, the dam provides valuable habitat for fish and wildlife while also offering recreational opportunities for the local community. Its historical significance, coupled with its functional design and regulatory oversight, make Bicknell Lake Dam a noteworthy site to study and appreciate in the context of water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-BOGGY BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.86

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.