Wilson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wilson Lake Dam, located in Polk, Texas, was completed in 1965 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam is of Earth type, with a structural height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet. It has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and is situated on the East Fork Double Branch river. The dam does not have a spillway and is not regulated by the state.

Despite its age, Wilson Lake Dam has not been assessed for its condition and has a high risk assessment rating. It is privately owned and has not been inspected since October 2008. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, and its hazard potential is listed as "Not Available." The risk management measures and inundation maps for the dam have not been prepared or updated, which raises concerns about its safety and potential impact in case of a failure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wilson Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the need for proper maintenance and oversight of aging infrastructure. The lack of recent inspections, emergency action plans, and risk assessments highlight potential vulnerabilities that could have serious consequences for both the dam and the surrounding area. As climate change continues to create more extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and resilience of dams like Wilson Lake Dam becomes increasingly critical for protecting communities and water resources.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

EAST FORK DOUBLE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.