Poverty Point Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Poverty Point Reservoir Dam, located in Delhi, Louisiana, is a state-regulated structure designed by DENMON ENGINEERING CO.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, completed in 1998, serves primarily for recreation and water supply purposes, holding a maximum storage capacity of 31,000 acre-feet. With a height of 42 feet and a hydraulic height of 39.95 feet, the earth-type dam spans a length of 25,650 feet along Bayou Macon, covering a surface area of 2,460 acres and draining a 6.57 square mile watershed area.
Maintaining a controlled spillway with a width of 80 feet, the dam's hazard potential is considered high, with a fair condition assessment as of July 2020. Despite its risk level, the dam has not been modified in recent years and features a slide gate for outlet control. The risk assessment for Poverty Point Reservoir Dam ranks as very high (1), highlighting the importance of ongoing inspection and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this critical water resource infrastructure in Richland, Louisiana.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Poverty Point Reservoir Dam offers a fascinating study in engineering and environmental management. As a key structure along Bayou Macon, the dam plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities and water supply for the region, while also presenting challenges in terms of its high hazard potential and risk assessment rating. Monitoring and maintenance efforts by the state regulatory agency, LA DOTD, are essential to safeguarding the dam and surrounding areas from potential risks and ensuring the continued functionality of this important earth-type dam in the Vicksburg District.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
25650 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
BAYOU MACON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2460 |
Hydraulic Height |
39.95 |
Drainage Area |
6.57 |
Nid Storage |
31000 |
Structural Height |
44.2 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tensas River At Tendal
|
120cfs |
Boeuf River Nr Girard
|
128cfs |
Bayou Lafourche Near Crew Lake
|
3190cfs |
Mississippi River At Vicksburg
|
329000cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew Near Jones
|
322cfs |
Bayou Macon Nr Kilbourne
|
132cfs |
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.
Poverty Point Reservoir Dam