Ben Rush Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shaw Pond Adcock Pond
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Ben Rush Dam, located in Red River, Louisiana, is a private earth dam built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
With a height of 14 feet and a length of 720 feet, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 25 acres. The dam is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and undergoes regular inspections, with its condition assessed as fair and a low hazard potential.
The dam, situated on TR-Coushatta Bayou, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 55 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 348 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not specified. With its picturesque location and vital role in the local ecosystem, Ben Rush Dam is a significant water resource for both wildlife and residents in the area.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
720 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COUSHATTA BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Ben Rush Dam