Woodlawn Plantation Dam No 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Woodlawn Plantation Dam No 3, also known as Gator Lake, is a privately owned earth dam located in West Feliciana, Louisiana.


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Summary

This dam serves primarily for recreation purposes and stands at a height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet. It has a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres, providing a tranquil spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy nature in this picturesque setting.

The dam is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and maintenance. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam has a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. The last inspection in December 2018 showed that the dam remains in satisfactory condition, ready for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the importance of water resources in this area.

With its uncontrolled spillway and surrounding "TR - WEST FORK THOMPSON CREEK" stream, Woodlawn Plantation Dam No 3 offers both recreational opportunities and a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention in natural water systems. As a vital part of the local ecosystem, this dam serves as a focal point for water enthusiasts to appreciate the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship in maintaining the ecological integrity of the surrounding area.

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR - WEST FORK THOMPSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

94

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.