Butler Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Butler Lake Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a privately owned structure designed by Wayne Weeks in 1940 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 20 feet and stretching 500 feet in length, holds a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 116 acre-feet. Situated on Rattlesnake Creek, the dam is of earth type with a buttress core design, serving as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and water recreation activities.
Despite the dam's age, it has not been rated for its condition and carries a high-risk assessment level of 2. With no spillway and limited information on inspection frequency, the hazard potential and emergency preparedness of Butler Lake Dam remain unclear. The dam's association with a single outlet gate and lack of inundation maps raise concerns about its ability to manage potential flooding events and ensure public safety in the event of an emergency.
As a significant feature in the Fort Worth District, Butler Lake Dam's structural integrity and risk management measures should be closely monitored and updated to address any potential hazards and ensure the safety of both the dam structure and surrounding communities. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Butler Lake Dam to be a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and the importance of proper maintenance and risk assessment in safeguarding our water resources.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
RATTLESNAKE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
64cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
17cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
208cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
91cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Wills Point
|
7cfs |
Cedar Ck Nr Kemp
|
12cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Butler Lake Dam