Carden Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Carden Dam No.


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Summary

1, located in St. Tammany, Louisiana, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1984 for the primary purpose of recreation. The dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 18 feet. It spans a length of 575 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 360 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 288 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Bills Creek and is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Carden Dam No. 1 is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 45 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 40 cubic feet per second. The last inspection took place in February 2019, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. The condition assessment of the dam is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating that further evaluation may be needed to determine its structural integrity.

Overall, Carden Dam No. 1 serves as an important recreational resource in the area, providing water storage for various activities. With its moderate risk level and low hazard potential, continued monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of this earth dam on Bills Creek. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in studying the dam's design, storage capacity, risk assessment, and regulatory oversight to better understand its role in the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

575

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BILLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

360

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.