Cane River Lake Dam Lower Embankment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the Cane River Lake Dam Lower Embankment stands as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the Lower Cane River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1955, this earth dam reaches a height of 44 feet and a length of 540 feet, providing valuable storage capacity of 8,500 acre-feet to help mitigate potential flooding in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 260 acre-feet, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from the impacts of high water levels.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the Cane River Lake Dam Lower Embankment undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2018, the dam has a low hazard potential and is equipped with needle outlet gates. While the spillway type is listed as "None," the dam's risk assessment categorizes it as high, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the area from potential flooding events.
As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts in the region, the Cane River Lake Dam Lower Embankment serves as a critical infrastructure that requires careful monitoring and maintenance to uphold its protective function. With its historical significance and engineering design dating back to the mid-20th century, this earth dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience along the Lower Cane River in Louisiana.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
LOWER CANE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
0.24 |
Nid Storage |
8500 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Creek At Pollock
|
21cfs |
Little River Near Rochelle
|
506cfs |
Dugdemona River Near Joyce
|
248cfs |
Calcasieu River Nr Glenmora
|
313cfs |
Bayou Cocodrie Nr Clearwater
|
131cfs |
Bayou Pierre Near Lake End
|
187cfs |
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.
Cane River Lake Dam Lower Embankment
Nantachie Lake Near Aloha