John Adams Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

John Adams Dam, located in Vernon, Louisiana, stands as a crucial structure on Chunk Creek, serving primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built as an earth dam with buttress and stone core types, the dam has a height of 20 feet and a length of 675 feet, providing a storage capacity of 345 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, requiring regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity.

Managed by a private entity, John Adams Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, emphasizing state involvement in permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. With a spillway type designated as uncontrolled, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. Despite its current condition, the dam remains a significant asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts, offering a valuable recreational space in the heart of Louisiana's natural landscapes.

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

CHUNK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

345

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.