Old Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Old Lake Dam in Henderson, Texas, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1902, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 2500 feet, with a storage capacity of 2300 acre-feet. The dam, located on Shelton Mill Branch, underwent modifications in 2008 for hydraulic reasons and in 2012 for structural improvements.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 125 feet and is inspected every 5 years, with the last assessment in 2014, revealing a fair condition. Managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Old Lake Dam is equipped with one slide and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has no hazard potential listed, making it a relatively stable structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.

Years Modified

2008 - Hydraulic, 2012 - Structural

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

SHELTON MILL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

183

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

21.82

Nid Storage

2300

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Uncontrolled - 2

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.