Wham Brake Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.