Ben Sheets Dam No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Ben Sheets Dam No.1, located in Lecompte, Louisiana, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 296 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 542 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 2900 feet and has a surface area of 98.6 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the Rapides County region.

Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Ben Sheets Dam No.1 is regularly inspected to maintain its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam is deemed to pose a manageable level of risk to its surrounding areas. Despite having an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's structural integrity allows for safe recreational use, ensuring the safety of visitors and nearby communities.

With its picturesque location along the TR-Cocordie Lake, Ben Sheets Dam No.1 offers a tranquil environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities. Its strategic design, adequate storage capacity, and regulatory oversight by the state make it a reliable and safe water resource for both recreational and environmental purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

2900

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TR-COCORDIE LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

98.6

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

542

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.