Ferrells Bridge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ferrells Bridge Dam, also known as Lake O' The Pines, is a federal structure located in Jefferson, Texas.


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Summary

Completed in 1958 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife pond management. With a height of 97 feet and a length of 10,600 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of nearly 2 million acre-feet, making it a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the region.

Despite its importance in reducing the risk of flooding to downstream communities, Ferrells Bridge Dam still poses a moderate risk due to potential high-volume releases and the possibility of dam failure during extreme flood events. However, USACE has implemented various risk management measures to ensure public safety, including conducting emergency exercises, updating the Emergency Action Plan, and maintaining detailed inspections and monitoring systems. These proactive steps aim to minimize the likelihood of dam failure and mitigate any potential impacts on surrounding infrastructure and communities downstream, such as Shreveport and Alexandria, Louisiana.

Overall, Ferrells Bridge Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and flood risk reduction in the region. By implementing robust risk management measures and maintaining regular inspections, USACE is working to ensure the structural integrity of the dam and protect downstream communities from the potential impacts of dam failure.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

10600

Dam Height

97

River Or Stream

CYPRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18700

Hydraulic Height

90

Drainage Area

850

Nid Storage

1998740

Structural Height

97

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

97
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.