Davis Ledoux Dam, located in Evangeline, Louisiana, is a privately owned structure built in 1930 primarily for irrigation purposes along the Coulee Valentine.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 10 feet and a length of 800 feet, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of 2018, highlighting the need for maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued functionality and safety.
Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the Davis Ledoux Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to meet safety standards. The dam's uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet helps manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding downstream. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection, livestock, small fish ponds, irrigation, and recreational activities in the area, demonstrating its importance for both the environment and local community.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the Davis Ledoux Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams to ensure resilience against natural disasters and changing weather patterns. With its historical significance and essential role in supporting agricultural activities and water supply, the dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage and adapt to the challenges posed by a changing climate for the benefit of both present and future generations.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
COULEE VALENTINE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Structural Height |
6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Bayou Des Cannes Nr Eunice
|
3cfs |
Bayou Nezpique Near Basile
|
76cfs |
Calcasieu River Near Oberlin
|
91cfs |
Calcasieu River Near Kinder
|
604cfs |
Mermentau River At Mermentau
|
255cfs |
Whiskey Chitto Creek Near Oberlin
|
224cfs |