Bayou Desiard Bartholomew Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Bayou Desiard Bartholomew Dam, also known as Lake Bartholomew, is a state-owned structure located in Sterlington, Louisiana.


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Summary

Built in 1930 by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, this earth dam serves primarily for water supply purposes. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 630 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 8,800 acre-feet and a surface area of 800 acres.

The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 5 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. It has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in January 2019. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 6.44 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 155 cubic feet per second.

With its historical significance and ongoing importance for water supply, Bayou Desiard Bartholomew Dam stands as a testament to the engineering expertise of its designers and the regulatory oversight of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. As climate change impacts water resources, the dam's role in ensuring water availability and managing flood risks becomes increasingly vital for the community it serves in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

630

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

NONE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

800

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

6.44

Nid Storage

8800

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.