T L James Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cotile Lake Dam Cleco Rodemacher
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
The T L James Lake Dam, located in Rapides, Louisiana, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 21 feet. With a capacity for 600 acre-feet of water storage, the dam also provides fire protection, stock, and recreation opportunities in addition to its wildlife conservation function.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 100 feet, is uncontrolled, and the structure is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the T L James Lake Dam is subject to moderate risk, with a drainage area of 0.71 square miles and a maximum discharge of 3,787 cubic feet per second. The dam covers a surface area of 52 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 322 acre-feet, making it a vital resource for water management and conservation efforts in the region.
Overall, the T L James Lake Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and governmental agencies to promote water resource sustainability and climate resilience. With its multiple purposes and careful regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a valuable asset for both wildlife habitat conservation and recreational activities in the surrounding area, highlighting the importance of proactive dam management in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1590 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SIEPER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
52 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.71 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Calcasieu River Nr Glenmora
|
77cfs |
Big Creek At Pollock
|
29cfs |
Bayou Toro Near Toro
|
25cfs |
Bayou Cocodrie Nr Clearwater
|
88cfs |
Bayou Anacoco Near Rosepine
|
84cfs |
Little River Near Rochelle
|
103cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
T L James Lake Dam