Jesse Mcneel Lake No 5 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Zapata, Texas, the Jesse Mcneel Lake No 5 Dam stands as a testament to water resource management and climate resilience.
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Summary
Built in 1942, this earth dam serves primarily as a water supply structure, with a maximum storage capacity of 800 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 384 acre-feet. The dam, standing at 20 feet tall and stretching 1685 feet in length, holds back the waters of TR-Salado Creek, providing vital water resources to the surrounding area.
Managed by a private entity, the dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is not currently rated for condition assessment, but it remains a critical piece of infrastructure for the region. With no spillway and minimal associated structures, the Jesse Mcneel Lake No 5 Dam serves as a key component in the local water supply network, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
1685 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALADO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
60 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
800 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rio Grande At Laredo
|
1760cfs |
Zacate Ck At Laredo
|
0cfs |
San Casimiro Ck Nr Freer
|
0cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Jesse Mcneel Lake No 5 Dam