Tew Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Tew Lake Dam in Catahoula, Louisiana is a local government-owned structure primarily used for recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 4 feet, this earth dam spans 575 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 2,484 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement all in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 2 feet, and it has a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment. The last inspection in September 2018 deemed the structure to be in satisfactory condition. Despite its moderate risk assessment, Tew Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the community while also serving as a vital water resource in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and management efforts that go into maintaining this important infrastructure.
Dam Length |
575 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
N/A |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
248 |
Hydraulic Height |
4 |
Drainage Area |
2.3 |
Nid Storage |
2484 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River Near Rochelle
|
132cfs |
Big Creek At Pollock
|
19cfs |
Buffalo River Nr Woodville
|
49cfs |
Bayou Des Glaises Diversion Ch. At Moreauville
|
70cfs |
Homochitto River At Rosetta
|
306cfs |
Dugdemona River Near Joyce
|
72cfs |
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.
Tew Lake Dam