Settlement Dam dam
Settlement Dam
Settlement Dam in Denton, Texas is a private-owned earth dam primarily used for recreation. With a height of 9.5 feet and a length of 450 feet, this structure sits off-channel upstream of Whites Branch, providing a surface area of 2 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 8 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 65 feet and an uncontrolled outlet gate.
Constructed in 1991 and last inspected in 2016, Settlement Dam is in fair condition with a moderate risk assessment rating. It falls under the regulatory oversight of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The dam presents no known hazard potential, but a comprehensive risk management plan has not been detailed.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Settlement Dam offers a unique insight into the intersection of human recreation and water infrastructure. Its location in a picturesque setting near the city of Argyle, along with its moderate risk profile, make it a noteworthy example of how private entities can responsibly manage and maintain water resources for public enjoyment.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Settlement Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory Ck At Denton | 195 cfs | → |
| Denton Ck Nr Justin | 18 cfs | → |
| Denton Ck Nr Grapevine | 260 cfs | → |
| Elm Fk Trinity Rv Nr Lewisville | 697 cfs | → |
| Indian Ck At Fm 2281 | 220 cfs | → |
| Clear Ck Nr Sanger | 21 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Settlement Dam.
Boat launches
- Marshall Creek Park Denton County
- Orchid Hill Lane Highland Village
- Sycamore Bend Road Hickory Creek
- Meadowmere Park Boat Ramp
- Meadowmere Lane Boat Ramp
- Island View Drive Grapevine
Campgrounds
- Little Elm Park
- Sandy Lake Rv Resort
- Isle Du Bois - Roberts Lake State Park
- Johnson Branch - Roberts Lake State Park
- Constellation Park Campsite #1
- Constellation Park Campsite #4
Track Settlement Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Settlement Dam
Where does the data for Settlement Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Not Available hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Settlement Dam.