The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced the water level of Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish has reached the desired depth to assess damage that occurred during Hurricane Harvey. The drawdown was necessary to evaluate the condition of the dam.
 
The lake will be maintained at or near its current level until a full assessment of the damage is complete, designs are developed for the repairs, and the repairs are finalized.
 
The management gate will be operated to maintain the existing lake level; however, water levels will fluctuate during this period due to rainfall and the gate’s limited capacity to remove runoff. The dam remains stable at this time.
 
The timeframe for project completion and for the lake to return to pool stage is contingent on the results of the assessment. Updates will be provided throughout the process.
 
Anacoco Lake, located downstream of Vernon Lake, is near pool stage, and intentions are to keep the management gate closed and the lake near pool stage during the repair process.
 
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would also like to remind all property owners that any work to the shoreline or lake bottom of a state waterbody requires a permit from either the Division of Administration Office of State Lands or the US Army Corps of Engineers.
 
For information on permit requirements contact the Lake Charles LDWF office (337) 491-2575, the Office of State Lands (225) 342-4578 or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office (817) 886-1306.
 
For questions regarding the drawdown, contact Brad Sticker (318) 561-5280 or Jonathan Lachney (318) 561-5103 with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.