Virgina Thacker Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Virgina Thacker Dam, located in Oil City, Louisiana, is a private dam primarily used for recreation along the Tiger Branch.


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Summary

With a height of 18 feet and a length of 1640 feet, this earth dam with a buttress core is regulated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The dam has a low hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of August 2016, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Despite its current condition, Virgina Thacker Dam offers ample storage capacity of 403 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 22.4 acres. The dam's spillway, with a width of 80 feet, is uncontrolled, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures. While the dam serves a recreational purpose, its moderate risk assessment rating suggests the need for continued monitoring and potential upgrades to mitigate any potential hazards to downstream communities and infrastructure. enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Virgina Thacker Dam's characteristics and regulatory oversight to be of interest in understanding the intersection of human development and natural resources management.

Dam Length

1640

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TIGER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.4

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

403

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.