Melba Pond No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Melba Pond No 1, located in Longstreet, Louisiana, is a privately owned earth dam structure completed in 2016 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, this dam stands at 20 feet high and spans a length of 791 feet. It has a storage capacity of 252 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 21 acres for recreational activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Melba Pond No 1 has a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2019. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 149 feet and can accommodate a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second. The inspection frequency for this structure is every 5 years, ensuring its safety and functionality for the surrounding community.

Despite its moderate risk assessment level, Melba Pond No 1 serves as a vital water resource for the area, offering not only recreational opportunities but also contributing to the local ecosystem. With its well-maintained condition and regulated state jurisdiction, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in De Soto, Louisiana.

Year Completed

2016

Dam Length

791

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF BUSHNECK BAYOU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

2.3

Nid Storage

252

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.