Sleepy Hollow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sleepy Hollow Lake Dam, located in Polk, Texas, was completed in 1964 and serves as a private recreational facility.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and spans a length of 450 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 287 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-Black Branch river and is designed with an uncontrolled spillway, showcasing a unique buttress core foundation.

Despite its private ownership, Sleepy Hollow Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Texas, with regular state inspections and permitting in place. The dam's condition is currently not rated, with a moderate risk assessment level of 3. While it lacks specific emergency action plans and flood inundation maps, the dam is noted for its recreational purposes and has not been associated with any hazardous potential.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find the Sleepy Hollow Lake Dam an intriguing structure to study, with its unique design features and historical significance. As a private dam in a picturesque location, it offers a glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water bodies, providing opportunities for further research and exploration in the field of dam engineering and management.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

TR-BLACK BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

287

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

43
       
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.