Carmel Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Carmel Dam, located in De Soto, Louisiana, along the Siphorien Bayou, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction in the area.
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Summary
Completed in 1998, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17 feet, with a length of 490 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 297 acre-feet and a normal storage of 229 acre-feet, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite being privately owned, Carmel Dam is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 50 feet, and it has been assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2020. With a hazard potential deemed significant and a moderate risk assessment rating, it is evident that the management of Carmel Dam is crucial in mitigating potential risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities.
In addition to flood risk reduction, Carmel Dam also supports recreational activities, further highlighting its importance in not just water resource management but also in providing opportunities for the community. With its strategic location and vital role in water management, Carmel Dam stands as a key infrastructure for both environmental protection and community well-being in the De Soto area of Louisiana.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
SIPHORIEN BAYOU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.33 |
Nid Storage |
297 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou San Patricio Near Benson
|
29cfs |
Cypress Bayou Near Keithville
|
11cfs |
Bayou Pierre Near Lake End
|
323cfs |
Bayou Grand Cane Near Stanley
|
6cfs |
Red Chute Bayou At Sligo
|
55cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Carthage
|
9200cfs |
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.
Carmel Dam