Little River Dam & Control Structure dam
Little River Dam & Control Structure
Located in Avoyelles, Louisiana, the Little River Dam & Control Structure is a captivating water resource project designed by the Department of Public Works and completed in 1955. This earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet, with a structural height of 17 feet and a length of 930 feet. Serving a primary purpose of recreation, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 103,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6,850 acres along the picturesque Little River.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, this structure is essential for flood control and water management in the region. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam provides both recreational opportunities and critical water resource functions. With a moderate risk rating and regular inspections, the Little River Dam & Control Structure plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area while ensuring public safety and enjoyment.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the significance of the Little River Dam & Control Structure in Avoyelles, Louisiana. From its earth construction to its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment, this dam is a key component of the local ecosystem. With its rich history dating back to 1955 and its regular inspections, this structure exemplifies the balance between human recreation and environmental conservation. Explore the beauty and functionality of this landmark, nestled along the serene Little River in the heart of Louisiana.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Little River Dam & Control Structure -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bayou Des Glaises Diversion Ch. At Moreauville | 1,040 cfs | → |
| (Coe) Atchafalaya River At Simmesport | 182,000 cfs | → |
| Bayou Cocodrie Nr Clearwater | 410 cfs | → |
| Buffalo River Nr Woodville | 303 cfs | → |
| Big Creek At Pollock | 123 cfs | → |
| Bayou Courtableau At Washington | 1,720 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Little River Dam & Control Structure.
Track Little River Dam & Control Structure in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Little River Dam & Control Structure
Where does the data for Little River Dam & Control Structure come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Little River Dam & Control Structure.