Lake Happy Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Lake Happy Dam, located in Kerrville, Texas, stands as a testament to the harmonious relationship between water resources and recreational enjoyment.
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Summary
Built in 1974 by TDMHMR - DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, this Earth dam on the TR-GUADALUPE RIVER serves primarily for recreation, offering a tranquil escape for visitors seeking to connect with nature. The dam boasts a height of 30 feet and a length of 810 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres.
Managed and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Lake Happy Dam has been inspected and permitted by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates for water management, with a maximum discharge capacity of 4501 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk assessment to safeguard against potential threats.
As a vital part of the Galveston District water infrastructure, Lake Happy Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With its picturesque setting and functional design, this dam serves as a beacon for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike, highlighting the importance of sustainable development and stewardship of natural resources for current and future generations to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
810 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GUADALUPE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2, Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Guadalupe Rv At Kerrville
|
46cfs |
Guadalupe Rv Abv Bear Ck At Kerrville
|
43cfs |
Guadalupe Rv Nr Center Point
|
48cfs |
Johnson Ck Nr Ingram
|
13cfs |
Guadalupe Rv At Hunt
|
38cfs |
N Fk Guadalupe Rv Nr Hunt
|
33cfs |
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.
Lake Happy Dam