Atkins Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lincoln Parish Park Douglas Pond
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Atkins Pond, located in Ruston, Louisiana, was completed in 1956 and serves as a vital fish and wildlife habitat as well as a recreational area.
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Summary
Managed by a private owner, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 26 feet and has a hydraulic height of 21 feet. With a storage capacity of 312 acre-feet and a surface area of 24 acres, Atkins Pond plays a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Atkins Pond received a fair condition assessment during its last inspection in September 2016. The dam, constructed by USDA NRCS, is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 0.82 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4360 cubic feet per second, Atkins Pond remains a significant water resource in the region, contributing to both flood control and water conservation efforts.
As a part of the Congressional District 05 in Louisiana, Atkins Pond is a valuable asset for the community, offering not only environmental benefits but also serving as a source of potential risk management measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a designated emergency action plan frequency of 5 years, it is important to continue monitoring and maintaining this important water infrastructure to ensure its resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and potential emergencies.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR - CHOUDRANT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.82 |
Nid Storage |
312 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Corney Bayou Near Lillie
|
169cfs |
Saline Bayou Near Lucky
|
38cfs |
Bayou Lafourche Near Crew Lake
|
625cfs |
Dugdemona River Near Joyce
|
248cfs |
Boeuf River Nr Girard
|
42cfs |
Chemin-A-Haut Byu Nr Beekman
|
28cfs |
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.
Atkins Pond