Laurent Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Laurent Lake Dam, located in Polk, Texas, was completed in 1953 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam is a 15-foot high earth structure with a length of 473 feet, providing a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Situated on Black Branch, the dam is privately owned and managed, with no state regulation or enforcement. Despite not having a spillway, the dam has an outlet gate for water release.

The dam's condition assessment is not rated, and its hazard potential is not available. However, a risk assessment categorizes it as having a high risk level (2). The last inspection was conducted in 1995, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and prevent potential hazards. Although the dam does not fall under federal oversight, it remains crucial for water resource management in the region.

With its unique design and historical significance, Laurent Lake Dam stands as a vital component of the local irrigation infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the dam's characteristics and risk factors can help in advocating for its proper maintenance and ensuring its continued contribution to the community's water supply needs. Monitoring and addressing any potential risks associated with the dam are essential to safeguarding both the environment and the surrounding areas that rely on its water resources.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

473

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BLACK BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.