Cane River Dam
Cane River Dam is an earth dam located in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, built in 1949. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Cane River Dam
The primary purpose of Cane River Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Cane River Waterway Commission (state). It impounds the Upper Cane River near Derry.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,350 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 16,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 34 square miles. Completed in 1949, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 11/11/2024.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Louisiana |
| County | Natchitoches |
| Nearest City | Derry |
| River/Stream | Upper Cane River |
| Coordinates | 31.56629, -92.97281 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 16,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 16,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,350 acres |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,640 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Cane River Waterway Commission |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | LA00007 |
| Federal ID | LA00007 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |