Wind Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Wind Lake Dam, also known as Claiborne, is a private dam located in Drew, Louisiana, along Steep Bayou.


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Summary

Built in 1985, this earth dam stands at 45 feet tall and spans 585 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 2025 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Wind Lake Dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 90 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

With a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Wind Lake Dam is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 52 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam continues to provide a picturesque and functional water resource for the community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wind Lake Dam serves as a vital structure in Ouachita, Louisiana, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water storage. Its location in a scenic area with moderate risk highlights the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to ensure the safety and sustainability of this valuable asset for years to come.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

585

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

STEEP BAYOU- NOT ON QUAD MAP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

90

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

2025

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

48
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.