Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spring Lake Dam, located in Smith, Texas, was completed in 1920 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 375 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet. Situated on Hitts Creek, the dam also offers recreational opportunities on its 15-acre surface area. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam has been inspected and permitted for operation.

With a hazard potential rated as "Not Available" and a high risk assessment, the condition of Spring Lake Dam is not currently rated. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified in the data, suggesting a need for further assessment and preparation in case of potential hazards. The dam does not have a spillway and features one outlet gate, indicating limited flood control capabilities.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Spring Lake Dam an interesting case study due to its historical significance and unique design features. As a privately owned structure with irrigation as its primary purpose, the dam presents challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management in the region. The lack of state regulation and enforcement raises questions about the overall safety and maintenance of the dam, highlighting the importance of proactive risk assessment and emergency preparedness in water resource management.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

HITTS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

1.33

Nid Storage

230

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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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.