Wham Brake Lake, located in Ouachita, Louisiana, is a state-regulated recreational lake with a low hazard potential but a very high risk assessment due to its proximity to the Little Bayou Boeuf.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1950 by Ducks Unlimited, International Paper, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at 10 feet tall and stretches over 30,000 feet in length. With a maximum storage capacity of 34,650 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 14,850 acre-feet, Wham Brake Lake covers a surface area of 4,950 acres and has a drainage area of 63.6 square miles.
This controlled spillway lake features a spillway width of 270 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. Although last inspected in 2018 and deemed to be in fair condition, Wham Brake Lake is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Despite its low hazard potential, the lake's risk assessment is categorized as very high, suggesting the need for continued risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam structure and surrounding area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wham Brake Lake offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of recreational water management, environmental risk assessment, and dam infrastructure in the southern United States.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
30648 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE BAYOU BOEUF |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4950 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
63.6 |
Nid Storage |
34650 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Bayou Lafourche Near Crew Lake
|
369cfs |
Boeuf River Nr Girard
|
9cfs |
Chemin-A-Haut Byu Nr Beekman
|
0cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew Near Jones
|
366cfs |
Tensas River At Tendal
|
52cfs |
Little Corney Bayou Near Lillie
|
111cfs |