Austin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Austin Lake Dam in Bossier, Louisiana, is a federally-owned structure regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.


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Summary

Situated on the TR-Red Chute Bay, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes with a maximum storage capacity of 143 acre-feet and a surface area of 22 acres. The dam stands at 13 feet high with a spillway width of 20 feet, designed with an uncontrolled spillway type.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Austin Lake Dam poses a moderate risk level, prompting a five-year inspection frequency. The dam features a flap outlet gate and is surrounded by a drainage area of 6 square miles. Despite its modest specifications, the dam provides a valuable source of water resource management and recreational opportunities for the local community. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding the key characteristics and regulatory oversight of structures like Austin Lake Dam is essential in ensuring their continued safety and functionality in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TR-RED CHUTE BAY

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

143

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Flap

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.