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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins
|
208cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Mineola
|
64cfs |
Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy
|
91cfs |
Sabine Rv Nr Gladewater
|
437cfs |
Lake Fork Ck Nr Quitman
|
17cfs |
Rabbit Ck At Kilgore
|
40cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Tyler State Park
|
||
Lake Hawkins County RV Park
|
||
Fish Hawke Point
|