Simonton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Simonton Dam in Louisiana, completed in 2013, stands as a testament to private ownership and state regulation for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This Earth dam, with a height of 40 feet and a length of 1150 feet, spans an unnamed creek in Lincoln County. Its primary purpose is recreation, offering a storage capacity of 235 acre-feet and a surface area of 9.8 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Simonton Dam is subject to regular inspections by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The dam's spillway, with a width of 15 feet, is uncontrolled, and the structure includes buttress and stone cores on a soil foundation. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is equipped with needle outlet gates, ready to manage a maximum discharge of 195 cubic feet per second in case of emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Simonton Dam's location in Vienna, Louisiana, offers a glimpse into the intricate balance between human-made infrastructure and natural water systems. Its design and function not only provide recreational opportunities but also highlight the importance of regulatory oversight and risk management in maintaining the safety and integrity of water-related structures.

Year Completed

2013

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

Unnamed Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.8

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

235

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.