Bayou Macon Cutoff 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bayou Macon Cutoff 3, also known as Backers Cut Off, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Madison, Louisiana.
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Summary
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, this dam was designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1961. Standing at a height of 18 feet and stretching 550 feet in length, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 1820 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Bayou Macon.
With a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of January 2019, Bayou Macon Cutoff 3 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 68 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 750 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk rating, the structure has not been modified in recent years and is inspected every five years to ensure its ongoing safety and effectiveness in flood management. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bayou Macon Cutoff 3 serves as an intriguing example of essential infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BAYOU MACON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
140 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
9.6 |
Nid Storage |
1820 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tensas River At Tendal
|
120cfs |
Boeuf River Nr Girard
|
128cfs |
Bayou Lafourche Near Crew Lake
|
3190cfs |
Mississippi River At Vicksburg
|
329000cfs |
Bayou Pierre Nr Willows
|
444cfs |
Big Black River Nr Bovina
|
677cfs |
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 Macon Cutoff 3