M A Davey Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

M A Davey Lake Dam, located in Anderson, Texas, was completed in 1937 and serves as a vital structure for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This private Earth dam, standing at a height of 17 feet with a length of 675 feet, holds a storage capacity of 470 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a high risk due to its hazard potential, as noted in the recent evaluation.

With a hydraulic height matching its structural height, M A Davey Lake Dam overlooks the serene Smith Branch river, offering a surface area of 45 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. While lacking a spillway, the dam is equipped with a single outlet gate for water management. This significant water resource is regulated by the state of Texas, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain safety standards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, M A Davey Lake Dam represents a fascinating blend of history and functionality. Its role in providing recreational opportunities while managing water storage highlights the importance of sustainable infrastructure management in the face of evolving environmental challenges. As efforts continue to mitigate risks and enhance safety measures, this dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and natural resource conservation in the heart of Texas.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

SMITH BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

470

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.