Nelms Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nelms Lake Dam, located in Washington, Texas, was completed in 1958 and serves as a recreational destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam, primarily constructed for recreational purposes, stands at a height of 10 feet and spans a length of 8000 feet. It is classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, designed to hold a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet.

Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the state with regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with one outlet gate. While the hazard potential is not available, the risk assessment is classified as high. Even though the condition assessment is not rated, the dam serves as an important water resource for the local community and offers opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoyment.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

8000

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.