Hitts Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hitts Lake Dam, located in Smith, Texas, is a privately owned structure that plays a vital role in irrigation by harnessing the waters of Hitts Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1945, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches at a length of 610 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 1380 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 852 acre-feet. The dam's purpose is primarily for irrigation, serving the agricultural needs of the surrounding area.

Maintained and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Hitts Lake Dam has undergone modifications in 1993 to reinforce its hydraulic and structural integrity. Despite being rated in fair condition as of April 2021, the dam poses a moderate risk due to its hazard potential not being available. The spillway, with a width of 28 feet, functions as an uncontrolled outlet in case of excess water flow. With Louie Gohmert representing the area in Congress, the dam continues to be a critical component of water resource management in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Texas would find Hitts Lake Dam a fascinating subject of study, given its historical significance, engineering design, and operational importance in sustaining agriculture through irrigation. As a privately owned structure with state regulation, the dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing and managing water resources for the benefit of communities in the region. With ongoing inspections and risk assessments, Hitts Lake Dam remains a key feature in the water infrastructure of Smith County, Texas.

Years Modified

1993 - Hydraulic, 1993 - Structural

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

610

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

HITTS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

102

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

5.3

Nid Storage

1380

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 3

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.