Holly Tree Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holly Tree Lake Dam, located in Smith County, Texas, is a historic structure completed in 1944 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at 21 feet tall and 686 feet long, holds a maximum storage capacity of 422 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 2.6 square miles. The dam also provides recreational opportunities and is situated on the Born Branch river, offering a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.

Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the State of Texas with regular inspections conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a combination of uncontrolled and valve outlet gates for water management. The risk assessment for Holly Tree Lake Dam indicates a moderate hazard potential, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding area and downstream communities. Overall, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for irrigation and recreation, embodying the intersection of water resource management and environmental conservation in the region.

Years Modified

1953 - Structural

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

686

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

BORN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

422

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4, Valve - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.