Bayou Bonne Idee North Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Bayou Bonne Idee North Dam, located in Morehouse, Louisiana, serves as a vital structure for irrigation purposes along the Bayou Bonne Idee.
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Summary
Built in 1988 by the NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13 feet, offering a storage capacity of 5070 acre-feet. With a length of 460 feet and a spillway width of 92 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features a vertical lift outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway, with a moderate risk assessment rating. With a drainage area of 71 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 5100 cubic feet per second, Bayou Bonne Idee North Dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bayou Bonne Idee North Dam presents a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity in irrigation infrastructure. As a regulated and inspected structure, it exemplifies the importance of maintaining proper water management systems in the face of changing environmental conditions. With its unique design features and critical role in the local water supply, this dam serves as a testament to the intersection of human intervention and natural resource conservation in the fight against climate change.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
BAYOU BONNE IDEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
390 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
71 |
Nid Storage |
5070 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bayou Bartholomew Near Jones
|
267cfs |
Chemin-A-Haut Byu Nr Beekman
|
0cfs |
Boeuf River Nr Girard
|
145cfs |
Bayou Lafourche Near Crew Lake
|
80cfs |
Bayou Macon Nr Kilbourne
|
27cfs |
Bayou Bartholomew Near Portland
|
105cfs |
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.
Bayou Bonne Idee North Dam