Couch Lake Dam dam
Couch Lake Dam
Couch Lake Dam, located in Freestone, Texas, was completed in 1961 and serves as a recreational water resource for enthusiasts in the area. The earth dam, standing at 30 feet in height and stretching 500 feet in length, offers a serene retreat for nature lovers seeking to enjoy the beauty of Ball Branch river or stream. With a storage capacity of 231 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres, the dam provides ample space for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Managed by a private owner, Couch Lake Dam is not regulated by the state but undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with one outlet gate for water management. Despite its high risk assessment level of 2, the dam's condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures. With its picturesque surroundings and recreational offerings, Couch Lake Dam stands as a beloved destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of Texas.
As a vital part of the local ecosystem, Couch Lake Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a critical water resource for the surrounding area. Its location within the Fort Worth District and proximity to the Ball Branch river make it an essential element in maintaining the balance of the natural environment. While the dam's hazard potential is not available and its emergency preparedness status remains unclear, its role in water management and conservation cannot be understated. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Couch Lake Dam represents a harmonious blend of human engineering and environmental stewardship, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Texas.
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 Couch Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity Rv At Hwy 287 Nr Cayuga | 2,460 cfs | → |
| Tehuacana Ck Nr Streetman | 0 cfs | → |
| Upper Keechi Ck Nr Oakwood | 16 cfs | → |
| Trinity Rv Nr Oakwood | 3,720 cfs | → |
| Big Ck Nr Freestone | 2 cfs | → |
| Trinity Rv At Trinidad | 2,650 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Couch Lake Dam.
Track Couch Lake 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 Couch Lake Dam
Where does the data for Couch Lake 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 Couch Lake Dam.