Ivan Lake Dam
Ivan Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, built in 1958. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Ivan Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Ivan Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by State Of Louisiana (local government). It impounds the Caney Creek near Cotton Valley.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 1,120 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 520 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 55 square miles. Completed in 1958, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/11/2022.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Louisiana dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Louisiana |
| County | Bossier |
| Nearest City | Cotton Valley |
| River/Stream | Caney Creek |
| Coordinates | 32.83025, -93.49247 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,120 ft |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 520 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | State of Louisiana |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 07/11/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | LA00020 |
| Federal ID | LA00020 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |