NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Larto and Saline lakes in Catahoula, LaSalle and Rapides parishes are losing water into the Black River because an embankment designed to hold that water in has failed.

The co-manager of Uncle Bud’s Cabins and RV Park on Larto Lake says Cross Bayou Weir blew out after heavy rains last week.

Billy LaPrairie estimates the lake is losing 6 to 10 inches of water every 24 hours.

A news release says Wildlife and Fisheries realizes the matter is urgent and will begin repairs as soon as possible.

The agency says its staff is assessing the damage at Cross Bayou Weir, one of three low-water dams built in the late 1980s to bring back the sport fishery in and around the lakes.

Gary and Nancy Graham of Stillwater, MN look out from the observation deck on the Wetland Walkway in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Wednesday.