Black Lake Bayou Reservoir dam
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir
Black Lake Bayou Reservoir, also known as Black Lake/Clear Lake, is a stunning water resource located in St. Maurice, Louisiana. Managed by the Louisiana Department of Public Works, this reservoir serves as a recreational haven for locals and visitors alike. With a completion year of 1990, this earth-type dam stands at 37 feet high and boasts a storage capacity of 320,000 acre-feet, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities on its expansive 13,800-acre surface area.
The reservoir's primary purpose of recreation is evident in its design, featuring a spillway width of 350 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 50,035 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in June 2020. The reservoir's moderate risk level is managed through various unspecified risk management measures, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and enhancing the overall enjoyment of this picturesque water body.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Black Lake Bayou Reservoir to be a captivating destination, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. As a state-regulated and inspected facility, this reservoir exemplifies responsible management practices, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all who visit. Whether you're seeking a peaceful day of fishing or an adrenaline-pumping water sports adventure, Black Lake Bayou Reservoir promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Natchitoches County, Louisiana.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Black Lake Bayou Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Dugdemona River Near Joyce | 36 cfs | → |
| Bayou Pierre Near Lake End | 58 cfs | → |
| Saline Bayou Near Lucky | 296 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Rochelle | 412 cfs | → |
| Big Creek At Pollock | 17 cfs | → |
| Bayou San Patricio Near Benson | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Black Lake Bayou Reservoir.
Track Black Lake Bayou Reservoir in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Black Lake Bayou Reservoir
Where does the data for Black Lake Bayou Reservoir come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Black Lake Bayou Reservoir.