Swenson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Swenson Lake Dam, located in Throckmorton, Texas, was completed in 1962 and is privately owned, serving as a crucial water supply structure.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 16 feet with a length of 1100 feet, primarily stores 192 acre-feet of water for various purposes. The dam is situated on Flat Rock Creek and is managed by the Fort Worth District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring its adherence to state regulations and periodic inspections.

Despite its relatively small size, Swenson Lake Dam poses a high risk due to its condition assessment being not rated and its hazard potential not available. The dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with only one outlet gate, raising concerns about its ability to manage high discharges in case of emergencies. While the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements, there is a pressing need for comprehensive risk management measures and emergency action plans to mitigate potential hazards associated with its operation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Swenson Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned water supply structure with limited regulatory oversight and a high risk profile. Its unique design features and location on Flat Rock Creek, coupled with its historical significance as a vital water source in the region, make it a compelling subject for further study and evaluation. As discussions around dam safety and climate resilience continue to gain prominence, Swenson Lake Dam serves as a tangible example of the challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a rapidly changing environment.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

FLAT ROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

192

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.