Betty Thomas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Betty Thomas Dam in Rapides, Louisiana is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1957 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Located on the TR-CLEAR BAYOU stream, the dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a structural height of 30 feet and a length of 870 feet. With a storage capacity of 444 acre-feet, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities, covering a surface area of 14.8 acres.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Betty Thomas Dam is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement measures are in place to maintain safety. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 180 feet, the dam has a moderate risk assessment level and an inspection frequency of 5 years. While there have been no major modifications to the dam in recent years, it continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for the local community.

Overall, Betty Thomas Dam is a vital water resource in Rapides County, offering both recreational enjoyment and essential flood control measures. As an earth dam with a mix of buttress and stone core types, it stands as a testament to effective water resource management in Louisiana. With its picturesque location and moderate risk level, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for the region, contributing to both environmental conservation and public recreation.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

870

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-CLEAR BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.8

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

444

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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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.