Mecom Ranch Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mecom Ranch Lake Dam, located in Zapata, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1977 to create Mecom Ranch Lake.
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Summary
With a height of 21 feet and a length of 4900 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 656 acre-feet and serves as a vital water resource in the region. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The primary purpose of Mecom Ranch Lake Dam is listed as 'Other', and it serves as a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam has a high hazard potential rating, indicating the importance of proper risk management measures. The risk assessment for the dam is classified as 'High (2)', underlining the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and environment.
Mecom Ranch Lake Dam is a significant infrastructure for water storage and management in the region, playing a key role in regulating Salado Creek. With its earth construction and buttress core design, the dam stands at the forefront of water resource management in Texas. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, structures like Mecom Ranch Lake Dam are essential for ensuring sustainable water sources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
4900 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALADO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
656 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Mecom Ranch Lake Dam